Los Angeles ICE Protests

I struggle when photographing protests. There's a lot on my mind.

Should I photograph this?

Is my presence affecting someone's behavior?

Is this reflective of what's happening?

Beyond being a show of discontent, what is a protest really? Is it a show? A performance? A spectacle? I get worried while photographing, thinking about how someone's actions may be exaggerated or done in hopes of getting a cool photo of themselves to share later.

It’s an odd time to be a photojournalist. Nearly everyone has a phone out, recording or live-streaming. Often, at the front lines, there are often just as many photographers as protesters—some credentialed press, some not. I often question whether my presence encourages people to show up, or to act differently. I also question when to put on my protective gear, knowing that even seeing others wearing it makes my own anxiety spike. Am I adding to the tension by appearing prepared?

Sometimes I step back when it feels like I’m contributing to the performative atmosphere. But when I do, I risk missing the shot—and facing questions from my editor about why I didn’t capture an image that others did. It’s a constant catch-22: damned if I do, damned if I don’t.

My life and work are dedicated to truth and honesty. But if my presence alters what’s happening, even subtly, then the reality I’m documenting is no longer quite true. That thought stays with me as I work.

With all that in mind, here are some selects from three days of coverage from a couple weeks ago as people took to the streets to voice their issues with Donald Trump, the National Guard and Marines being deployed to Los Angeles, and masked ICE agents conducting raids on homes and places of work throughout Los Angeles.