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4d ago

Press Advocates Warn DHS of First Amendment Violations in Los Angeles Protests

More than two dozen press freedom groups have alerted DHS to reports that federal officers used indiscriminate force against journalists in Los Angeles protests.

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Overview

  • On June 9, the First Amendment Coalition, Freedom of the Press Foundation and Los Angeles Press Club led over two dozen organizations in sending a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
  • The letter cites incidents of tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper balls being used against journalists who were clearly identified while covering protests over federal immigration raids.
  • The Los Angeles Press Club has documented at least 30 cases of reporters suffering injuries, including a photographer struck in the head with a rubber bullet and a journalist shot in the leg.
  • President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles on June 7 over Governor Newsom’s objections and the state filed suit against the administration on June 9.
  • DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the department received the letter as scrutiny grows over law enforcement tactics and potential First Amendment breaches.