LAPD Sued for Alleged Use of Excessive Force Against Journalists During Immigration Protests

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff   

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

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Image Source: BrieAnna J. Frank

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the City of Los Angeles are facing a federal lawsuit filed on June 16 by the First Amendment Coalition, alleging that officers used excessive force against journalists covering recent immigration protests. The suit accuses law enforcement of violating constitutional protections under both federal and California law, turning journalism into a "dangerous profession" in the city.

Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the lawsuit was brought on behalf of the Los Angeles Press Club and the independent media outlet Status Coup. It follows reports of over 30 incidents where journalists were injured while reporting on the protests, including notable cases where media professionals were shot with rubber bullets or detained while working in public spaces.

"The widespread use of force against journalists by LAPD officers indicates an intent to prevent public scrutiny of police conduct," the complaint states, further accusing the department of systemic failures to uphold press freedoms.

The protests, which erupted on June 6 in response to immigration raids across the city, escalated to the point where President Donald Trump ordered deployment of National Guard troops and U.S. Marines. This decision was denounced by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who referred to the move as a "blatant abuse of power" and has since filed a lawsuit against the federal government.

Among the incidents cited in the complaint:

• New York Post photographer Toby Canham was shot in the head with a rubber bullet.

• Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was struck in the leg.

• CNN correspondent Jason Carroll was detained by LAPD officers despite identifying himself as press.

These incidents sparked alarm among press freedom advocates, prompting the First Amendment Coalition to send a formal letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on June 10, warning that federal officers may also have violated journalists' First Amendment rights. The letter cited court precedents that affirm journalists’ rights to document police activity and exempt them from general dispersal orders when not interfering.

“It appears LAPD did not heed this warning,” said David Snyder, Executive Director of the First Amendment Coalition. “We are taking this to court because the safety and rights of journalists must be protected, not trampled.”

As of now, LAPD and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ office have not responded to requests for comment.