Protester shot in face by Homeland Security officers at anti-ICE rally, blinded
Jan 9, 2026·Location: Santa Ana, CA

Britain Rodriguez, 31, an Orange County resident and after-school program supervisor, was shot in the face with a less-lethal round by Homeland Security officers during an anti-ICE protest in downtown Santa Ana on January 9, 2026. The projectile damaged his iris, cornea, and lens, causing a cataract and severe vision loss. Officers gave no warning before firing at protesters demonstrating against ICE deportations and the killing of Renee Good in Minnesota. Rodriguez was unable to work or drive following the injury and faces uncertainty about his vision recovery.
Sources
- Second man shares horrific story of being blinded by officers at anti-ICE rally in Santa Ana
Los Angeles Times·Jan 16, 2026·archived copy
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