Protests erupted across Los Angeles last Friday in response to sweeping immigration raids conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in neighborhoods with large Latino populations. The enforcement actions have intensified following Donald Trump’s return to the White House and his renewed crackdown on undocumented immigration.
According to CBS News, ICE operations took place in the Westlake district and Paramount, a city south of Los Angeles where more than 82% of the population is Hispanic. ICE confirmed that 44 undocumented immigrants were arrested at a single job site on Friday, with an additional 77 individuals detained across the greater Los Angeles area the same day.
In response to the growing protests, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to California. However, troubling reports have emerged of excessive force used against civilians and journalists covering the demonstrations.
At least 35 journalists have reportedly been attacked or obstructed while trying to report on the protests.
Among the injured are Ryanne Mena, a crime reporter for the LA Daily News, and freelance journalist Sean Beckner-Carmitchel, both of whom were shot with pepper balls and tear-gassed while reporting on Friday and Saturday.
Nick Stern, a British freelance photojournalist based in Los Angeles, required emergency surgery after being struck in the leg by a three-inch plastic bullet on Sunday. Stern told the BBC that he was clearly marked as press, wearing official credentials and carrying a camera at the time of the incident.
Lauren Tomasi, a reporter for Australia’s 9News, was also shot in the leg with a rubber bullet while reporting live on Sunday.
According to CPJ, Adam Rose, secretary of the Los Angeles Press Club, has documented over 20 incidents of violence or obstruction against members of the press since the protests began on June 6.
At Free Press Alliance, we are deeply alarmed by these escalating attacks on journalists. Press freedom is a fundamental pillar of democracy, and violence against reporters is both unacceptable and illegal. We call on the Los Angeles Police Department and relevant authorities to investigate these incidents thoroughly, ensure accountability, and protect journalists’ rights and the public’s right to information.