You are invited to join us for Global Crisis Watch 345, on Friday, June 13th at 10:00 BST.
The highlighted topics will include:
California Sues White House as Immigration Raids Spark Nationwide Unrest
Protests erupted across Los Angeles on 6th June 2025 following a series of aggressive immigration raids carried out by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in predominantly Latino neighborhoods. Demonstrations began peacefully but quickly escalated, with incidents of looting, vandalism and clashes with law enforcement. More than one hundred people were arrested in LA over the following days, and similar protests spread to over two dozen cities nationwide, including New York, Dallas, Chicago and San Francisco.
In a controversial move, President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to the city against the wishes of California Governor Gavin Newsom, later doubling the figure and authorising the deployment of seven hundred US Marines. The federal response, including the use of rubber bullets,stun grenades and tear gas, drew condemnation from California officials, who filed a lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of overstepping its constitutional authority.
Federal troops were reportedly stationed to protect immigration officials and federal buildings, though many observers and legal experts argued that their presence intensified tensions. Local leaders, including LA Mayor Karen Bass, insisted the city had already begun to stabilise before federal intervention. The LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) stated it had not requested military assistance, and civil rights groups criticised what they described as a disproportionate and militarised response to largely peaceful protests.
The raids, part of Trump’s pledge to carry out “the biggest deportation operation” in US history, targeted workplaces and residential areas, leading to hundreds of arrests, including that of a prominent union leader. Reports emerged of detainees held in overcrowded conditions without access to legal counsel or basic necessities.
Critics say the deployment is politically motivated, intended to portray a crisis atmosphere ahead of the 2026 election campaign. Trump, however, claimed the National Guard prevented LA from being “completely obliterated” and reiterated his commitment to immigration enforcement.
California’s legal challenge marks the first time since 1965 that a president has federally deployed the National Guard without a governor’s consent.
Maternity Ward Hit in Odesa as Ukraine Endures Heavy Strikes
In the early hours of June 11th, 2025, Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults on Ukraine to date, firing 315 drones and multiple missiles, including ballistic and cruise types. The attacks targeted multiple regions, with the capital Kyiv and the southern port city of Odesa suffering significant damage.
In Kyiv, seven of the city’s ten districts were struck. Residents spent the night in shelters as air raid sirens blared and explosions echoed across the city. Falling debris from intercepted drones caused fires in high-rise buildings, warehouses and homes. One person was killed and at least four were injured, according to local officials.
Further south, in Odesa, a maternity ward was hit during the overnight strikes. Two people were killed, thirteen injured and several medical facilities and residential buildings were damaged. Despite the devastation, staff and patients managed to evacuate safely. Video footage showed shattered glass across hospital corridors, and eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and destruction.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes as “terrorism” and “one of the largest attacks on Kyiv.” He also accused Russia of using North Korean-made ballistic missiles and attempting to overshadow international peace efforts.
These strikes follow a significant increase in Russian drone attacks, possibly in retaliation for Ukrainian strikes deep into Russian territory, including a recent covert operation called “Spider’s Web” that targeted five military airbases, destroying multiple aircraft including nuclear-capable bombers. In response, Ukraine launched its own drone attacks on Russia overnight, temporarily shutting down several Russian airports.
The wave of strikes came as Ukraine began a prisoner exchange process involving sick, young and deceased soldiers—a move President Zelensky described as sensitive and complex.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. The latest escalation underscores the continued intensity and evolving tactics of the conflict.
Activists Detained as Israel Blocks Gaza-Bound Aid Vessel in International Waters
Greta Thunberg has been deported from Israel after taking part in a symbolic aid mission to Gaza that was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters. The Swedish climate activist was among twelve people aboard the Madleen, a British-
flagged yacht organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which sought to challenge Israel’s maritime blockade and draw global attention to Gaza’s deepening humanitarian crisis.
The boat, which set sail from Italy carrying a small amount of medicine and baby formula, was intercepted about 185 km west of Gaza. Activists reported being surrounded by drones, sprayed with irritants and having their communications jammed before being forcibly redirected to Ashdod port. Israel dismissed the operation as a “selfie yacht” stunt and insisted its actions were legal under international law, citing the risk of weapons smuggling to Hamas.
Thunberg agreed to be deported and flew to France on Tuesday. Speaking in Paris, she accused Israel of kidnapping the group in international waters and detaining them in harsh conditions. She added that the real issue was not the interception itself but the ongoing “genocide” and systematic deprivation of food, water and medicine in Gaza under Israel’s blockade.
Five French nationals who refused deportation, including MEP Rima Hassan and journalists from Al Jazeera and Blast, now face legal proceedings. France confirmed its consular access to them, while activists continue to call for their immediate release.
Israel maintains that the blockade, in place since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, is legal and necessary to prevent arms smuggling. However, critics argue it has contributed to catastrophic levels of hunger, especially following Israel’s total aid shutdown in March. Some aid has resumed, but the UN and major NGOs have refused to cooperate with Israel’s newly proposed delivery system, citing concerns over neutrality.
The confrontation has intensified global scrutiny of Israel’s policies in Gaza and the treatment of international activists attempting to deliver humanitarian aid.
Beijing Accuses Washington of Undermining Global Trade Rules
At a World Trade Organization (WTO) policy review in Geneva, China sharply criticized the United States for undermining the multilateral trade system. Beijing accused Washington of adopting unilateral measures that violate WTO rules and erode trust in global trade institutions. These include tariffs, export controls and investment restrictions, particularly in high-tech sectors like semiconductors. China argued that the US has “weaponized” trade, using national security as a pretext to contain China’s economic development. Beijing warned that such actions are damaging global supply chains and weakening the WTO’s authority. It presented itself as a defender of the rules-based order and called for fair competition and mutual respect.
The US rejected the criticism, arguing that its trade policies are a necessary response to long-standing concerns over China’s economic practices. These include state subsidies, forced technology transfers and intellectual property violations. Washington claimed the WTO’s existing framework is ill-equipped to handle the challenges posed by China’s state-led model, which it says distorts global markets.
The exchange highlights the growing rift between the world’s two largest economies and the mounting strain on global trade governance. The WTO itself remains weakened, particularly as its dispute settlement system has been stalled due to a US block on appointing appellate judges.
Other WTO members expressed concern that the US–China rivalry risks further fragmenting global trade rules. As both powers dig in, there is increasing worry that the multilateral system could give way to competing blocs and more frequent unilateral actions.
This latest round of verbal sparring points out how strategic competition between the US and China is reshaping not only bilateral ties but the global trade system itself.
Plus, all the stories that are catching our attention wherever we live in the world. Feel free to join us and add your voice to the conversation.
