Journalists covering protests in Los Angeles against ICE raids between June 6 and 8 faced violence from federal agents and local police, according to a coalition led by the First Amendment Coalition (FAC). The coalition, composed of 27 press freedom and civil liberties organizations, sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem, denouncing the attacks on members of the media and calling for accountability.
The letter was prompted by multiple reports of journalists being injured or targeted while covering public demonstrations in protest of immigration enforcement actions connected to Trump administration policies.
Journalists Injured While Reporting
At least 24 journalists reported being struck by rubber bullets, hit in the head with tear gas canisters, or chased by pepper balls. These incidents were documented by the Los Angeles Press Club, which is conducting ongoing research into press freedom violations.
“These journalists were doing their jobs—bearing witness to events in the public interest,” said Ginny LaRoe, Advocacy Director at FAC. “Instead of protecting the rights of a free press, law enforcement met them with force.”
Violations of First Amendment Rights
The FAC emphasized that journalists are protected under the First Amendment, particularly when reporting on public demonstrations. The letter expressed serious concern that federal agents and local law enforcement are failing to uphold these constitutional protections.
“A threat to journalism is a threat to democracy,” the statement reads. “We will continue to fight to protect all journalists’ rights to do their jobs.”
FAC Urges Public Support for Press Freedom
In a follow-up message, FAC Executive Director David Snyder underscored the high stakes for California’s media environment. “FAC is often the only line of defense for California’s independent and nonprofit journalists,” Snyder said. “This work has never seemed more urgent.”
The FAC urges the public to support its mission to defend transparency, accountability, and press freedom across all levels of government.
For more information and to read the full letter, visit firstamendmentcoalition.org.
