Los Angeles

A group of protesters stands behind a red-and-white barricade holding signs that read “ICE out of LA!” and “Education not deportation.” Many participants wear face coverings, sunglasses, and masks. The protest appears to be taking place outdoors in a city setting with palm trees and buildings in the background.

Justice

Before LA immigration raids, California prisons tried to help ICE deport its top targets

The Trump administration faults California's sanctuary state law for allowing what it describes as violent criminals to remain in the country. However, that law does not protect people convicted of serious crimes.

By

Wendy Fry

and

Byrhonda Lyons

• July 3, 2025

A person stands on the side of a road, silhouetted against a fiery orange sky filled with thick smoke. Overhead, power lines stretch across utility poles, and vegetation lines the foreground. The scene evokes a sense of isolation and foreboding amidst a wildfire.

Commentary

In battered Los Angeles, the Fourth of July feels very different this year

The twin assaults — January and June, nature and nativism, fire and fear — nip at L.A.’s soul. It’s hard to shake the feeling that half the nation is, along with Trump, relishing scenes of Los Angeles suffering.

By

Robert Greene

• July 3, 2025

People wearing orange jumpsuits and brown hat stand in line and look towards their right while surrounded by other people in a legislative room.

Justice

In a first, California moves toward paying incarcerated firefighters minimum wage

California sent incarcerated firefighters to battle blazes in Los Angeles this year. It's moving toward paying them minimum wage for their work in emergencies.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• July 2, 2025

A person in a blue suit speaks at a press conference, standing in front of a wooden wall. Multiple microphones from various news outlets are positioned in front of them, and blurred figures frame the foreground, suggesting the presence of reporters or cameras.

Politics

Gavin Newsom takes Fox News to court over call with Donald Trump

In his lawsuit, Newsom claims that Fox News “covered up” the president’s false statement regarding the timing of a call between Trump and Newsom.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• June 27, 2025

Two Los Angeles police officers oversee the cleanup of a homeless encampment on a beach, behind yellow police tape labeled "DO NOT CROSS." A shirtless person wearing a black hat organizes belongings on a stroller packed with personal items, including a pool noodle and bags. One officer carries a large trash bag, while another stands nearby with arms crossed. Various items, including coolers, bedding, and snacks, are strewn on the sand. The ocean is visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

Homelessness

They were repeatedly ticketed because of their homelessness. What did it change?

In Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego, homeless Californians describe their experiences over the past year as camping ban enforcement has increased.

By

Marisa Kendall

,

Aaron Schrank

and

Lisa Halverstadt

• June 27, 2025

A side view of a man on a bike next to homeless tents lined up along a sidewalk underneath a highway in Sacramento.

Homelessness

In major cities and more rural areas, arrests and citations rose in the months following last summer’s Supreme Court decision. In some places, officials insist the events are unrelated.

By

Marisa Kendall

• June 27, 2025

A person stands in front of a bright blue building between two storefronts. They lean against the wall with one arm raised, holding onto a pink and blue striped awning. To their left is a shop with hanging snack packages; to their right is a clothing store with mannequins and shelves displaying folded garments. Sunlight casts sharp shadows across the sidewalk and wall.

Investigation

Taken: What happens after an LA immigration raid

CalMatters spoke with a number of migrants about their arrests and detentions after the first weekend of LA raids. Their accounts raise potential legal questions about the government’s operation.

By

,

,

and

• June 26, 2025