A national coalition of 25 organizations sent this letter to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell and Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna condemning the use of “less than lethal” weapons against journalists as they cover protests against ICE operations.
The letter notes that journalists in California have additional legal protections that extend beyond the U.S. Constitution, both against being arrested or attacked while covering protests (including protests that have been dispersed) and against searches and seizures.
The letter notes: “It is likely that the actions of the LAPD and LASD so far will already subject them, and local taxpayers, to significant [legal] liability. You cannot change what has already happened but you can take measures to not make the problem worse.”