Journalists subjected to force while reporting in California
These reports describe journalists covering immigration enforcement protests in Los Angeles-area locations, including Paramount, being struck by tear gas canisters, rubber bullets, pepper spray, and other less-lethal rounds while wearing visible press credentials. Several suffered injuries requiring surgery or causing concussions, and some have since filed legal claims or lawsuits. First documented in June 2025, the pattern became recurring that same month and has since made up a smaller share of recent reported cases.
Recurring since Jun 2025. Shrinking as a share of recent stories.
Share of each month's well-documented stories, Jan 2025 to Oct 2026. Volume is not shown: coverage grew over the record, shares did not have to.
7 stories in 1 state. What accompanies this practice →
California
Sean B.C.: Los Angeles journalist struck in head by ICE tear gas canisterJournalist Sean Beckner-Carmitchel was struck in the head by a tear gas canister while covering an ICE raid protest in Paramount. He has now filed a federal claim over the incident.Paramount, CA · May 25, 2026 · The Dissenter, The Guardian, Press Freedom Tracker +2
Veronica M.: CNN reporter hit with pepper spray during Los Angeles ICE facility protestCNN correspondent Veronica Miracle was pepper-sprayed while reporting live as protesters pushed Homeland Security officers back into an ICE facility in Los Angeles. She kept reporting through the coughing.Los Angeles, CA · Jan 31, 2026 · Mediaite, CNN, CBS News +3
Lauren T.: Australian journalist shot with rubber bullet while covering LA protestsAustralian correspondent Lauren Tomasi was shot with a rubber bullet while reporting on air from the LA protests, despite being clearly identified as press. Australia's prime minister later said she was sore but unharmed.Los Angeles, CA · Jun 9, 2025 · CNN, ABC7, ABC7 News +1- Nick S.: British journalist struck by less-lethal round at ICE protests needs surgeryBritish journalist Nick Stern, 60, who has lived in the U.S. for 18 years, was shot in the leg by a less-lethal round while covering LA protests, requiring emergency surgery.Los Angeles County, CA · Jun 7, 2025 · The Dissenter, Channel 4, Metro +1
- Lexis-Olivier R.: LA Taco reporter pepper-sprayed and shoved by police while covering ICE protestLA Taco reporter Lexis-Olivier Ray was pepper-sprayed and shoved by police while visibly wearing press credentials at a protest outside a detention center, suffering burning that lasted for hours.Paramount, CA · Jun 7, 2025 · Press Freedom Tracker, The Dissenter, Radio Free +1
- Reporter with asthma suffers concussion from HSI rubber bullet at ICE protestA reporter with asthma was shot with a pepper ball and later a rubber bullet by federal agents while covering ICE protests on consecutive days, leaving her with a concussion and ongoing symptoms.Paramount, CA · Jun 7, 2025 · The Dissenter, Prism Reports, Press Freedom Tracker +1
- Ben C.: Journalist wearing press pass shot twice by LA Sheriff's deputiesJournalist Ben Camacho was shot twice by sheriff's deputies while covering an anti-ICE protest despite wearing a visible press pass, injuring his elbow and knee. He is now suing the department.Paramount, CA · Jun 7, 2025 · The Dissenter, First Amendment Coalition, Press Freedom Tracker +2