Overview

• HRW’s report, published Monday, alleges law enforcement used excessive force during June demonstrations against immigration raids in Los Angeles.
• The group documents frequent firing of hard foam rounds, kinetic projectiles, pepper balls, flash-bang grenades and tear gas, often without clear dispersal orders.
• Specific cases include an AFP photographer shot in the face with a rubber bullet on June 14 and Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi struck by a projectile.
• The protests ran from June 6–14 in response to ICE raids ordered by President Trump and were largely peaceful despite periods of disorder.
• Injured protesters and reporters have filed lawsuits against Los Angeles County and the Department of Homeland Security, with HRW noting California’s limits on kinetic projectiles.