As immigration protests in Los Angeles extended into their fifth consecutive day on Tuesday, social media personalities have frequently outnumbered traditional journalists at the demonstrations, playing a significant role in capturing and distributing real-time footage from the scene.
Equipped with improvised press gear such as helmets and vests, numerous content creators—many with conservative viewpoints—have livestreamed prolonged coverage, posting updates on platforms like X, Twitch, and YouTube. Prominent figures aligned with the Trump administration and influential billionaires have amplified these posts, which often portray the unrest as increasingly chaotic and violent.
President Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and others for their handling of the protests, calling for National Guard deployment. Governor Newsom has disputed the necessity of such intervention and has filed an emergency motion to prevent federal troop deployment. Authorities report that over 150 protesters have been detained since Friday.
Among the prominent online voices at the protests is 25-year-old Cam Higby, a journalist and political commentator associated with the conservative digital outlet Today Is America. Higby traveled from Washington state to Los Angeles last Friday after discovering videos of the demonstrations online.
On Monday evening, Higby livestreamed alongside fellow online creator Aldo Buttazoni, also 25. Both formerly worked with the conservative media group Prager U and promote a brand centered on an “America First” message. Their content frequently counters statements from Democratic officials such as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Newsom.
Higby’s posts, which have garnered millions of views in recent days, often straddle the line between journalism and advocacy. While sometimes providing updates on police activity, he also echoes rhetoric calling for National Guard intervention, aiming to amplify public concern and outrage.
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