Press Group Files Lawsuit Against LAPD Over Alleged Journalist Assaults During Immigration Protests
A press advocacy organization has filed a lawsuit alleging that journalists were physically assaulted and denied rightful access while covering protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Los Angeles. The incidents occurred during demonstrations against aggressive ICE enforcement sweeps in the city.
Legal Challenge Details
The lawsuit, filed in California federal court against the City of Los Angeles and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, alleges violations of:
- First Amendment rights
- Fourteenth Amendment rights
- State laws governing “less-lethal munitions” use
The plaintiffs seek an injunction to prevent further law enforcement misconduct against journalists. According to the complaint, “The widespread use of force against journalists by LAPD officers indicates an intent to prevent public scrutiny of police conduct toward demonstrators.”
Documented Incidents of Police-Media Confrontations
Multiple journalists reported being targeted by law enforcement, with incidents captured on live television and social media. Notable cases include:
- Lauren Tomasi, 9 News Queensland correspondent, shot in the leg by a less-lethal round
- Tina Berg’s forcible removal from multiple locations despite maintaining legal distance
- Reporters from The New York Times, Cal Matters, and Capital & Main reportedly shot while covering protests
Law Enforcement Response
LAPD Chief McDonnell defended police actions, stating to KNBC that “It went well until police officers started being attacked.” However, the National Press Club contends that journalists were “not caught in the crossfire — they were targeted.”
Media Perspective
ABC News reporter Matt Gutman’s live television encounter with police highlighted the tensions, as he stated: “We’re on TV, and now you’re pushing me on live television. We didn’t push anyone. You know that’s true.”
The lawsuit, filed by Status Coup and the L.A. Press Club, seeks to address what they describe as an “institutional failure by the LAPD” in protecting press freedoms during public demonstrations.