Lexis-Olivier Ray, an investigative reporter for LA Taco, was pepper-sprayed on his arm and neck and shoved multiple times by Los Angeles Police Department officers while covering a protest against immigration enforcement actions at the Metropolitan Detention Center on January 30, 2026. Ray was visibly wearing press credentials and a shirt marked 'press' while documenting the demonstration on his cellphone. Department of Homeland Security officers also deployed tear gas and pepper balls at the crowd. Ray reported severe burning from the pepper spray that lasted for hours and said he believed he was struck with a projectile on his backpack. At a protest the next day, he was struck with additional projectiles and threatened with arrest. The actions appeared to violate California law prohibiting law enforcement from using violent tactics against members of the press.