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June 16, 2025 – USA –
A group of journalists and media organizations has filed a federal lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), accusing officers of intentionally targeting reporters with excessive force while they covered immigration protests earlier this year. The lawsuit, filed on June 16, 2025, by the Los Angeles Press Club and investigative outlet Status Coup, alleges that the LAPD violated the constitutional rights of journalists who were reporting on anti-immigration raids and demonstrations in Los Angeles.
According to the complaint, multiple journalists were injured by police using so-called “less-lethal” weapons during the protests. Australian reporter Lauren Tomasi was hit in the leg by a rubber bullet while broadcasting live, and CalMatters journalist Sergio Olmos was struck in the chest by a sponge grenade. New York Post photographer Toby Canham was shot in the forehead with a rubber bullet, and a CNN crew was temporarily detained despite displaying proper press credentials. In many cases, the journalists were marked as press, wearing identifying vests and credentials, yet were still subjected to force.
The lawsuit alleges that these actions violate the journalists’ First Amendment rights to freedom of the press and Fourteenth Amendment rights to due process. It cites more than 50 incidents of police violence against journalists and protesters during the events, suggesting a deliberate pattern of targeting the press. Plaintiffs argue that LAPD officers ignored visible press identification and warnings from journalists who repeatedly announced their media status before being attacked.
Press freedom groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders, have condemned the LAPD’s actions, warning that such behavior creates a chilling effect on independent reporting and public accountability. They also note disturbing parallels to previous police confrontations with journalists during the 2020 George Floyd protests, raising ongoing concerns about inadequate police training and respect for press rights during civil unrest.
The lawsuit seeks damages and legal reforms to prevent future violations of press freedoms. The LAPD and city officials have not yet publicly responded, though internal investigations are reportedly underway.
Reference –
https://www.npr.org/2025/06/16/nx-s1-5434279/lapd-immigration-protests-journalists-rubber-bullets
https://www.axios.com/2025/06/16/los-angeles-protests-lawsuit-journalists-police-lapd
