HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

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Deaf high school student tackled by DHS agents at protest, denied interpreter access

Jan 24, 2026 · Los Angeles, CA, Colombia

Deaf high school student tackled by DHS agents at protest, denied interpreter access

Anthony Paredes, an 18-year-old deaf high school senior at Ramón C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts in Los Angeles, was chased and tackled to the ground by Department of Homeland Security immigration officers on January 24, 2026, during a peaceful protest outside a federal building in downtown Los Angeles. Multiple bystanders shouted that Paredes was deaf and could not hear the officers' verbal commands, but he was taken into custody without a sign language interpreter provided. While in custody, Paredes' requests to use a restroom were denied. His mother, Guadalupe Diaz, expressed concern about the lack of interpreter access during the encounter. Educators and organizers plan to file a claim and lawsuit against the government and seek to have charges dropped, with a court date scheduled for April 1.

Timeline

Apr 1, 2027Court date scheduled; educators and organizers plan to file claim and lawsuit against government and seek to have charges dropped
Jan 24, 2026Anthony Paredes detained by DHS immigration officers at downtown Los Angeles protest; chased, tackled, and taken into custody without sign language interpreter despite bystanders informing officers he was deaf; restroom requests denied while in custody
Jan 24, 2026Paredes released after several hours of detention

Sources

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