In the heart of Long Beach, journalists are reminding the world that they are not machines, but human beings with emotions and responsibilities.
Javier Cabral, Editor-In-Chief of L.A. TACO, shared a harrowing experience that unfolded during recent protests aimed at defending the immigrant community of Los Angeles.
He was strategically positioned to cover the unfolding events when he narrowly avoided being struck by a rubber bullet that hit a photographer nearby and a protester on the opposite side.
Wearing a custom-made L.A. TACO shirt emblazoned with ‘PRESS’ on the back, Cabral found that the officers present were unmoved by his visible press identification.
Furthermore, a respirator he purchased just before the protest became essential for combating the overwhelming odor of pepper balls which exploded upon impact.
L.A. TACO has been actively documenting the protests since they began in response to federal agencies allegedly targeting local immigrant families.
The situation escalated when news coverage began, most notably from KTLA, which reported on the first raid at Ambiance Apparel.
During that incident, a brave demonstrator stood resolutely in front of a federal SUV, only to be knocked down by the vehicle, which refused to stop.
In their broadcast, the anchors described the incident misleadingly, stating that the demonstrator “tripped and fell,” obscuring the true nature of the event.
As a journalist, one of the significant challenges is to maintain professional composure while reporting—balancing emotional involvement with the responsibility to inform the public.
However, emotion also plays a vital role in writing, allowing journalists to convey the intensity of such experiences meaningfully.
Cabral emphasized that L.A. TACO has been pivotal in shining a light on the injustices occurring, arguing that if it hadn’t been for their coverage, key events would likely have been overlooked.
The staff at L.A. TACO approach their mission with seriousness, fully prepared to brave the chaos and unpredictability of covering protests.
Yet, this intense experience comes with personal costs.
Cabral admits to experiencing vivid nightmares and struggles with focus and function, with even simple tasks like eating feeling burdensome at times.
Despite these challenges, he remains resolute in his commitment to journalism.
He mentions, “I wouldn’t change a single thing about this. I wouldn’t trade this secondary traumatic stress in a heartbeat to provide any kind of comfort to the afflicted … and afflict the comfortable.”
The publication continues to cover ICE raids diligently, facing risks such as doxxing on social media, antagonistic comments from online trolls, and even being targeted with less-lethal projectiles.
To better organize and amplify their resources regarding immigration enforcement, L.A. TACO has created a dedicated category on their website.
Cabral took a moment to express gratitude to the community members who have supported L.A. TACO in recent days by signing up as members.
With a small team of six journalists, the editorial staff is deeply invested in the wellbeing of their city and its inhabitants, determined to fulfill their mission despite challenges such as low pay, threats, and the rising role of artificial intelligence in the newsroom.
Cabral calls on readers to support their work through membership and by spreading the word about their reporting.
He encourages the community to engage with their website beyond just scrolling through Instagram headlines, noting that every bit of support matters.
In closing, he urges everyone to stay safe and continue standing against injustices in the streets, promising that L.A. TACO will remain at the forefront of this critical discussion.
image source from：https://lataco.com/a-letter-from-the-editor-about-our-recent-street-level-coverage-of-protests-against-ice-in-los-angeles
