On July 11, 2025, a federal court intervened decisively in response to LAPD actions against journalists during recent anti-ICE protests. Judge Hernán D. Vera granted a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) specifically prohibiting LAPD officers from using certain non-lethal weapons—including rubber bullets, chemical irritants, and flash-bangs—on clearly identifiable journalists, unless an immediate physical threat is present.
Judge Vera’s ruling was based on compelling evidence presented by journalists and media organizations who reported intentional targeting by police during demonstrations. Documented incidents include injuries suffered by New York Post photographers and international correspondents, intensifying concerns regarding the LAPD’s approach to crowd control and freedom of the press.
Judge Vera’s order stated emphatically:
“It is crucial to uphold the constitutional protections of journalists covering protests, particularly when documenting sensitive events involving law enforcement actions.”
The TRO is intended as a temporary measure to immediately halt police aggression against reporters pending a fuller hearing, scheduled for late July, which will determine if a more permanent injunction is necessary.
Media advocates praised the decision as an essential step toward reinforcing constitutional protections, highlighting broader implications for national police practices during civil unrest.
