In a surprising turn of events during the intense protests in Los Angeles against extensive federal immigration raids, Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was hit by a rubber bullet fired by the police – an act that some believe was intentional – while she was live on air from the frontline.

On June 6, in what was described as “an extraordinary show of force,” federal agents raided an apparel factory in the Los Angeles Fashion District, marking “one of at least three immigration sweeps carried out in Los Angeles,” according to the New York Times.

The news about the raids spread rapidly, and within hours, throngs of angry protesters filled the streets – chanting, obstructing traffic, and confronting riot police and tactical units in a confrontation that escalated tensions in the city.