The IPI global network is deeply alarmed by repeated cases of violence and use of force toward journalists covering the protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles. We call on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), police, and all other authorities to respect the rights of journalists to cover these protests safely, in accordance with their obligations under domestic and international law.
Demonstrations in Los Angeles and surrounding towns began June 6 as largely peaceful protests against the Trump administration’s latest immigration crackdown. U.S. President Donald Trump deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines in response, which sparked further escalating protests and strong political pushback from the California state government.
Numerous journalists covering the protests have faced detention, violence, and the use of force. The LA Press Club has documented more than 40 such incidents since June 6.
Lauren Tomasi of 9News Australia was hit by a rubber bullet fired by police during a live broadcast Sunday evening. As the footage shows, Tomasi appears to have been intentionally targeted. In response, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a statement underlining that “all journalists should be able to do their work safely”. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed concern to the Trump administration, labelling the footage “horrific”.
In another incident, a CNN crew was briefly detained by police while also live on air the following night. Footage shows officers ordering reporter Jason Carroll and his security team to put their hands behind their back as they were escorted out of the protest zone.
Independent British photojournalist Nick Stern underwent emergency surgery after a non-lethal round exposed muscle tissue in his leg. He was wearing a press card when he was shot while covering protests near a Home Depot where immigrant workers are typically hired in Paramount, a majority-hispanic town outside Los Angeles.
These are among dozens of cases of violence against the press, exposing a growing pattern of intimidation and aggression towards the media. California Penal Code 13652(b)(6) obligates state and local officers to “minimize possible incidental impact” of weapons on journalists, including the non-lethal rounds regularly used for crowd control and during protests. The First Amendment also protects journalists’ rights to cover matters of public interest without fear of retaliation or violence. Moreover, the U.S. is obliged to protect press freedom and journalists’ safety under international law.
“We are shocked and deeply troubled that authorities in the U.S. even need to be reminded of their obligations under domestic and international law to respect the rights of the press,” IPI Director of Advocacy Amy Brouillette said. “The media has a clear right to cover protests without threats to their safety.”
“As protests spread across the country, IPI strongly urges all authorities, including federal, state, and local law enforcement, to comply with their obligation to protect journalists’ right to free and safe reporting,” Brouillette added.
Recent infringements on journalists’ rights in the U.S. are indicative of a much larger pattern: press freedom has come under unprecedented assault under the Trump Administration, marked by derogatory rhetoric and retaliatory action intended to undermine and silence independent media.