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Los Angeles, CA – Finneas O'Connell, the older brother of Grammy-winning singer Billie Eilish, found himself caught in the thick of a heated immigration protest in downtown Los Angeles this weekend. Reports indicate that O'Connell, a vocal advocate for social justice, was tear-gassed amidst escalating tensions between protestors and the National Guard, prompting him to publicly accuse the Guard of inciting violence.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in the city center to voice their opposition to recent immigration policies. The atmosphere was charged, and as the day progressed, confrontations between protestors and law enforcement became increasingly frequent. O’Connell, visibly distressed in videos circulating online, described being directly affected by the tear gas deployed by the National Guard.

“I was just trying to help people, and I got tear-gassed,” O’Connell stated in a series of social media posts. “It’s really messed up to see the National Guard actively provoking people and then claiming we’re the violent ones. This isn't about immigration anymore; it’s about the abuse of power.” His accusations quickly gained traction online, sparking widespread debate and criticism of the National Guard’s response.

The protest itself was organized in response to a series of actions perceived as detrimental to immigrant communities. Participants carried signs and chanted slogans demanding comprehensive immigration reform and an end to family separations. The demonstration drew a diverse crowd, including families, students, and activists from various backgrounds. Many expressed frustration with the current political climate and a sense of urgency to take action.

Law enforcement agencies maintain that they were acting to maintain order and prevent violence. A spokesperson for the National Guard stated that tear gas was used only as a last resort to control a crowd that was becoming increasingly unruly and posed a threat to public safety. However, witnesses on the scene disputed this account, claiming that the Guard initiated the escalation by aggressively pushing into the crowd and deploying tear gas without sufficient warning.

Billie Eilish has not yet publicly commented on the incident involving her brother, but sources close to the family say she is deeply concerned and supportive of Finneas’s stance. The incident has further amplified the ongoing debate surrounding the use of force during protests and the role of the National Guard in maintaining public order. It also highlights the passionate commitment of young artists like the O'Connell siblings to using their platforms to advocate for social change.

The long-term impact of this incident remains to be seen. However, it serves as a stark reminder of the tensions surrounding immigration policy and the challenges of balancing freedom of expression with the need for public safety. Investigations into the events of the protest are underway, and the outcome could have significant implications for future demonstrations and law enforcement tactics.