Human Rights Watch — US: Excessive Force Against LA Protesters

Law enforcement officers responded to protests against immigration raids in and around Los Angeles, California, in June 2025, with excessive force and deliberate brutality, Human Rights Watch said today: 

“Officers fired tear gas, pepper balls, hard foam rounds, and flash-bang grenades directly at protesters, journalists, and other observers, often at close range and often without sufficient warning or provocation. Scores of people suffered injuries, ranging from severe bruising and lacerations to broken bones, concussions, an amputated finger, and severe eye damage.”

The LA protests were sparked by immigration raids. “Heavily armed federal agents have stormed stores, warehouses, hotels, restaurants, farms, car washes, taco stands, and other workplaces and detained those they suspect of being undocumented with the aim of deporting them.”

KJ