LA Ruling Shields Journalists Amid Violent ICE Protest Crackdowns

Journalist protection advocates and civil rights groups are denouncing the Los Angeles Police Department for repeated attacks on members of the press during immigration-related protests. Demonstrations sparked by aggressive ICE deportation raids in early July saw several journalists reportedly targeted by LAPD officers, despite clearly identifying themselves. Incidents included the arrest of independent reporters, the use of “less-lethal” munitions on media crews, and physical obstruction of press coverage.

CNN correspondent Jason Carroll and his crew were temporarily detained while covering a protest in downtown LA. In another incident, Status Coup journalist Tina Desiree Berg was shoved to the ground while wearing press credentials. Freelance photojournalist Lexis DiNardo was also injured by a rubber bullet. These cases, among others, prompted a federal judge to issue a temporary restraining order against the LAPD, banning them from targeting or detaining journalists covering protests.

The assaults came just days after California enacted a law on July 10 that affirms the right of credentialed journalists to document public demonstrations without interference. The law was intended to reinforce First Amendment protections following repeated incidents of press obstruction during past protests.

Despite this, advocacy groups, including the ACLU and the Committee to Protect Journalists, have demanded independent investigations and accountability for officers involved in misconduct. The LAPD has yet to respond substantively to the allegations. The situation has reignited national debates over press freedom, transparency, and the role of law enforcement during civil unrest.

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LAPD must stop outrageous attacks on journalists