You are invited to join us for Global Crisis Watch 346, on Friday, June 13th at 17:00 BST / 12:00 EDT.
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.
Kennedy Jr. Ousts Vaccine Committee, Citing Pharma Ties and Public Distrust
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his vaccine scepticism, has removed all seventeen members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which advises the government on vaccine recommendations. Kennedy stated the decision aimed to restore public trust, accusing the committee of conflicts of interest and of being a “rubber stamp” for pharmaceutical companies. Most removed members were medical experts appointed during the Biden administration.
ACIP plays a crucial role in recommending which vaccines should be given, to whom and when – guidance that influences insurance coverage. The committee’s decisions are based on thorough review of vaccine safety and efficacy, following FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approvals. Members disclose potential conflicts of interest publicly and recuse themselves when necessary.
Kennedy argued that entrenched industry ties have undermined trust in vaccines and claimed that replacing the panel would ensure “the safest vaccines possible.” Critics, including medical professionals and former ACIP members, warn that the move threatens public health by destabilizing a transparent, science-based process that has helped control vaccine-preventable diseases. The American Medical Association and former CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) leaders expressed concern this could fuel outbreaks amid declining vaccination rates.
Kennedy’s action contradicts earlier assurances during his confirmation that ACIP would remain unchanged. There is worry he may appoint vaccine sceptics, potentially leading to reduced vaccine recommendations and insurance coverage. The committee’s next scheduled meeting includes votes on vaccines for Covid-19, flu and other diseases.
This development marks a significant shift in US vaccine policy oversight and has sparked broad debate about science, public trust and health policy.
Canada Fast-Tracks NATO Spending Amid Push for Defense Independence
Canada will meet NATO’s 2% defense spending target this fiscal year – five years ahead of schedule – Prime Minister Mark Carney announced, citing urgent needs to modernize the country’s military and reduce its dependency on the United States. The move reflects a major shift in Canadian defense policy, emphasizing strategic autonomy and deeper cooperation with Europe.
Carney said that Canada’s military infrastructure is outdated, with only one operational submarine and less than half of its maritime and land fleets functional. To address this, an additional C$9 billion (US$6.6 billion) will be invested in recruitment, equipment repairs and procurement of new submarines, aircraft, ships and surveillance technology. He also confirmed that the Canadian Coast Guard will be integrated into military operations.
Carney emphasized that the US is no longer the world’s predominant power and accused it of “monetizing its hegemony,” noting that Canada should not send 75% of its defense procurement budget to the US. His government is now exploring European alternatives to American-made F-35 fighter jets.
This announcement comes ahead of a G7 summit in Alberta and a NATO summit where allies are considering defense spending targets beyond 2%. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has referenced proposals to raise spending to 3.5% of GDP, with an additional 1.5% for broader security.
While US officials welcomed Canada’s new commitment, critics warn it could strain the budget—already projected to run a C$60 billion deficit. Carney, however, ruled out tax increases and reiterated that increased defense investment is essential in an era where “a new imperialism threatens,” referencing global instability since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The shift signals Canada’s intent to play a stronger role in global security, independently of US leadership.
Record 1.3 Million Displaced as Gang Violence Overwhelms Haiti
Haiti is facing a deepening humanitarian and human rights crisis as gang violence drives record levels of displacement and devastates public services. According to the UN’s International Organization for Migration, 1.3 million people – half of them children – have been displaced, a 24% increase since December 2023, marking the highest figure ever recorded in the country.
Gangs, heavily armed with weapons trafficked largely from the United States, now control 85% of Port-au-Prince, with violence spreading to other regions. In Centre Department alone, the number of displaced people more than doubled in towns like Mirebalais and Saut-d’Eau.
The violence has overwhelmed already fragile institutions. Hospitals and clinics are shutting down as healthcare workers face murder and kidnapping. Over 5.4 million Haitians now live in acute hunger, and cholera remains a threat due to collapsed health systems. Makeshift shelters lack clean water, sanitation and schooling, especially for children and people with disabilities.
Children are particularly vulnerable: recruited by armed gangs, they are forced into roles as lookouts, couriers or fighters. Many girls face widespread sexual violence, with rape used to terrorize communities. Displaced children often lose access to education and live in traumatic, unsafe environments.
This crisis stems from long-standing political and economic instability, worsened by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, which created a power vacuum exploited by gangs. Armed groups carry out mass killings, indiscriminate shootings and attacks on essential infrastructure. In 2024 alone, over 5,600 people were killed.
Despite a transitional government, effective law enforcement remains absent, and weapons continue to flow unchecked. The international community is calling for immediate intervention to protect civilians and restore basic rights. Haiti’s crisis is no longer isolated – it’s a humanitarian emergency demanding immediate global attention.
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.
