More than two dozen journalists have been injured or roughed up while covering protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles, raising concerns about whether law enforcement is deliberately targeting reporters. According to The Guardian, journalists have been hit by rubber bullets and pepper spray, including an Australian TV reporter who was struck while doing a live shot. A New York Post reporter was left with a giant welt on his forehead after taking a direct hit.
The advocacy group Reporters Without Borders reported at least 35 attacks on journalists, with 30 attributed to law enforcement, since the demonstrations began. CNN’s Jason Carroll and his crew were briefly detained by police on Monday while covering the protests live. Carroll explained that the officers told them they would be arrested if they returned to the area.
The Washington Post highlighted that Sergio Olmos, an investigative reporter for CalMatters, was hit by a 40mm sponge grenade. Olmos noted that the use of less-lethal rounds was the most he had seen in a single-day protest. The LAPD has not commented on these incidents, but they stated that their professional standards bureau would investigate allegations of excessive force.
The Committee to Protect Journalists and other press freedom groups have condemned these incidents, emphasizing the importance of respecting journalists’ rights to report. The Los Angeles protests have involved various law enforcement agencies, including the LAPD, the sheriff’s department, and the Department of Homeland Security.
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