The incident took place during the fourth consecutive day of protests in Los Angeles, where demonstrators gathered to oppose the federal government’s immigration raids. Tensions escalated after President Trump deployed about 2,000 National Guard troops to the city. Governor Gavin Newsom publicly objected to the deployment and has since launched legal action against the federal government.
Reporter Detained Amid Widening Crackdown
During his live coverage on Thursday, Carroll was reporting from the streets when law enforcement began ordering demonstrators to disperse. Around that time, officers approached Carroll, instructed him to leave, and advised him to put his hands behind his back. One officer informed him, “You are being detained.”
Although no restraints were placed on him, officers firmly grabbed both of his hands. He was later warned he would be arrested if he returned to the area. The detainment occurred just as multiple protesters were being arrested on charges related to refusing to disperse.
Back in the CNN studio, anchor Laura Coates reacted in real time as Carroll lost contact. She could be heard saying, “Jason? What’s going on? I hear you. What happened, Jason?” before the live feed cut out. Carroll briefly appeared behind a line of officers before his signal was lost.
Protests Fuel Tension Over Immigration Policy
The demonstrations initially began over the weekend in response to President Trump’s intensified immigration crackdown and coordinated ICE operations targeting undocumented individuals. Protesters have accused the federal government of harsh tactics and creating fear among immigrant communities.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has been vocal in opposing the raids, stating, “There is a real fear in Los Angeles right now,” noting that the city’s residents were nervous to go about their daily lives. She added that federal immigration actions were “attacking our people, our neighborhoods, and our economy.”
As the protests grew, federal troops were brought in. Trump claimed on Truth Social that “Los Angeles would have burned to the ground” if not for the military’s presence. Additionally, he announced plans to send 700 Marines to support efforts to restore order.
National Guard Presence Sparks Legal Clash
Governor Newsom responded strongly to the deployment, asserting that Trump’s decision violated the 10th Amendment. Newsom’s administration filed a lawsuit alleging that the use of federal troops without state consent was unconstitutional.
Despite this legal challenge, federal forces continued their operations in the city amid mounting public demonstrations. Several hundred protesters have been arrested in Los Angeles and other cities as similar protests erupted across the nation.
Carroll, who had been reporting throughout the day without incident, later spoke about the surprise of being detained. “It is something that I wasn’t expecting,” he said. “Normally, the officers realize the press is there doing a job.”
Journalist Speaks Out After Tense Moment
As tensions slightly eased later in the day, Carroll was released and instructed not to return to the protest area. A police officer reportedly told him, “We’re letting you go, but you can’t come back.”
Though Carroll was not charged or officially arrested, his detainment has raised concerns about media access and the treatment of journalists during public demonstrations. The event has added to ongoing debates around press freedom and law enforcement tactics.
Meanwhile, city officials are continuing to push back against the federal response, with both legal and political strategies evolving as the immigration debate remains in the national spotlight.
