News
August 19, 2025
Excessive force used against LA protesters: rights group
Law enforcement used excessive force and deliberate brutality against Los Angeles protesters and journalists during demonstrations against Donald Trump's immigration crackdown in June, a Human Rights Watch report said Monday.
Los Angeles – A new report released Monday by Human Rights Watch accuses law enforcement in Los Angeles of employing excessive force and deliberate brutality against protesters and journalists during demonstrations last June. The demonstrations, sparked by then-President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, saw large numbers of people take to the streets in downtown Los Angeles to voice their opposition.
The Human Rights Watch report details alleged instances of officers using batons, pepper spray, and rubber bullets indiscriminately against protesters, even those who were peaceful and posed no immediate threat. The report further accuses law enforcement of targeting journalists covering the events, hindering their ability to report on the protests and potentially violating their First Amendment rights.
“The right to protest is a cornerstone of a democratic society,” stated a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch. “Law enforcement’s role is to facilitate peaceful assembly, not to suppress dissent through violence and intimidation.”
The report includes eyewitness accounts and video evidence of the alleged abuses. Several protesters interviewed for the report described being struck by batons even while complying with police orders. Journalists reported being sprayed with pepper spray despite clearly identifying themselves and presenting press credentials. The report also raises concerns about the use of rubber bullets, citing instances where protesters sustained serious injuries, including welts, bruises, and even eye injuries.
The Human Rights Watch report calls for a thorough and independent investigation into the actions of law enforcement during the June protests. It also urges the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to review its crowd control policies and training procedures to ensure that officers respect the rights of protesters and journalists. The organization further recommends that the LAPD prioritize de-escalation tactics and limit the use of force to situations where it is absolutely necessary and proportionate to the threat.
The LAPD has yet to issue an official response to the Human Rights Watch report. However, the allegations are likely to fuel further debate about police accountability and the appropriate use of force during protests. The report is expected to be a key talking point in upcoming community meetings and discussions about police reform in Los Angeles. The findings could also potentially lead to legal action against the LAPD on behalf of those who were injured or whose rights were allegedly violated during the demonstrations.
The Human Rights Watch report details alleged instances of officers using batons, pepper spray, and rubber bullets indiscriminately against protesters, even those who were peaceful and posed no immediate threat. The report further accuses law enforcement of targeting journalists covering the events, hindering their ability to report on the protests and potentially violating their First Amendment rights.
“The right to protest is a cornerstone of a democratic society,” stated a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch. “Law enforcement’s role is to facilitate peaceful assembly, not to suppress dissent through violence and intimidation.”
The report includes eyewitness accounts and video evidence of the alleged abuses. Several protesters interviewed for the report described being struck by batons even while complying with police orders. Journalists reported being sprayed with pepper spray despite clearly identifying themselves and presenting press credentials. The report also raises concerns about the use of rubber bullets, citing instances where protesters sustained serious injuries, including welts, bruises, and even eye injuries.
The Human Rights Watch report calls for a thorough and independent investigation into the actions of law enforcement during the June protests. It also urges the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to review its crowd control policies and training procedures to ensure that officers respect the rights of protesters and journalists. The organization further recommends that the LAPD prioritize de-escalation tactics and limit the use of force to situations where it is absolutely necessary and proportionate to the threat.
The LAPD has yet to issue an official response to the Human Rights Watch report. However, the allegations are likely to fuel further debate about police accountability and the appropriate use of force during protests. The report is expected to be a key talking point in upcoming community meetings and discussions about police reform in Los Angeles. The findings could also potentially lead to legal action against the LAPD on behalf of those who were injured or whose rights were allegedly violated during the demonstrations.
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World