Key Takeaways
• Judge Hernán D. Vera issued a 14-day TRO blocking LAPD from using force on journalists during protests.
• At least 35 incidents of LAPD targeting journalists were documented amid immigration protests from June 6–19, 2025.
• A July 24, 2025 hearing will decide if the order becomes permanent, influencing nationwide police-press relations.
A federal judge has issued a sweeping order against the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), blocking officers from using force or restricting journalists covering immigration protests. The decision, handed down on July 10, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Hernán D. Vera, comes after weeks of unrest and growing concerns about press freedom in Los Angeles. The order is temporary, but it marks a major shift in how police must treat the press during public demonstrations.
What Happened and Why It Matters
Between June 6 and June 19, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles triggered large-scale immigration protests. These protests quickly grew in size and intensity, drawing national attention. Many journalists went to the scene to report on the events, but several faced violence and obstruction from LAPD officers. Some were shot with rubber bullets or hit with tear gas, even though they wore clear press markings and stayed away from protest lines.
One of the most widely reported incidents involved Australian reporter Lauren Tomasi. While broadcasting live and standing far from the main protest, she was struck by a rubber bullet. This and other similar cases led to outrage among press organizations and civil rights groups.
On June 16 and 17, 2025, the Los Angeles Press Club and Status Coup, representing nearly 1,000 journalists, filed a federal lawsuit against the LAPD. They accused officers of targeting, detaining, and assaulting journalists during the protests. The lawsuit demanded immediate action from the courts to stop these practices.
Judge Vera’s Order: What It Means
On July 10, 2025, Judge Vera issued a 14-day temporary restraining order (TRO) against the LAPD. This order is clear and strict. For at least the next two weeks, LAPD officers cannot:
- Use less-lethal munitions (like rubber bullets) or chemical agents (like tear gas) against journalists
- Detain, arrest, or block journalists from moving freely in protest areas
- Force journalists to leave protest zones, even if those areas are closed to the public
- Obstruct or assault journalists who are gathering news
Judge Vera’s order is the strongest legal protection for journalists in Los Angeles in recent years. He cited at least 35 separate incidents where LAPD officers targeted journalists, calling the harm to press freedom “imminent and concrete” if the court did not step in.
A hearing is set for July 24, 2025, to decide if the TRO should become a longer-term injunction. If the court extends the order, it could set a new standard for how police treat journalists at protests, not just in Los Angeles but across the United States 🇺🇸.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
The protests began after aggressive ICE raids in Los Angeles neighborhoods. Many families feared separation, and community groups quickly organized demonstrations. Tensions rose even higher when President Trump federalized the California National Guard and sent active-duty Marines to Los Angeles. State and local officials, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass, called this move an overreach and said it made the situation worse.
During the protests, LAPD officers used crowd control tactics that many called excessive. Civil rights groups and press organizations said police fired rubber bullets and tear gas into crowds without warning. Journalists, even those wearing vests and badges marked “PRESS,” were not spared. More than 80 complaints of officer misconduct are now under investigation, with over half involving claims of excessive force.
California law, specifically Senate Bill 98, protects journalists’ rights to cover protests. This law, passed after the 2020 protests, says police cannot interfere with or use force against the press. Despite this, the recent protests showed that these protections were not always respected.
Key Stakeholders and Their Positions
- Federal Judge Hernán D. Vera: Appointed by President Biden, Judge Vera took a strong stand for press freedom. He said the court had to act because the harm to journalists was real and ongoing.
- Los Angeles Press Club and Status Coup: These groups led the lawsuit against the LAPD. They want to make sure journalists can safely report on protests without fear of violence or arrest.
- LAPD: As of July 11, 2025, the department has not made a public statement about the judge’s order. However, the LAPD faces several internal investigations and lawsuits over its response to the protests.
- ACLU of Southern California: The ACLU has received over 250 complaints from people who say they were hurt or saw others hurt by police during the protests.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass: Both leaders criticized the federal deployment of troops and blamed it for making the protests more tense.
Immediate Effects of the Judge’s Order
For the next two weeks, the LAPD must follow strict rules when dealing with journalists at protest scenes. Officers cannot use force or block journalists from doing their jobs. If they break these rules, they could face contempt of court charges and more legal trouble.
For Journalists:
The order gives reporters, photographers, and media crews a clear legal shield. They can cover protests without worrying about being shot, arrested, or forced to leave. This is especially important for those reporting on immigration protests, where tensions often run high.
For Protesters and the Public:
The ruling supports the First Amendment, which protects freedom of the press. When journalists can report freely, the public gets accurate information about what is happening. This helps hold police and government officials accountable.
For the LAPD:
The department must quickly retrain officers and make sure everyone understands the new rules. If officers do not follow the order, the court could take even stronger action, including putting the LAPD under federal oversight.
Expert and Stakeholder Reactions
Press freedom groups and civil rights lawyers have praised the judge’s decision. They say it is a much-needed check on police power and a win for the First Amendment. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the order is a clear message that police cannot treat journalists as targets during times of unrest.
Some law enforcement officials have raised concerns about how the order might affect police operations. They worry it could make it harder to control large crowds. However, legal experts point out that the order simply enforces existing state law and constitutional rights.
Journalists who covered the protests say the order is necessary. Many reported being targeted or hurt while trying to do their jobs. They say the violence had a chilling effect, making some reporters afraid to cover important events.
Policy Implications and What Comes Next
The July 24, 2025, court hearing will decide if the restrictions should last longer. If the judge extends the order, it could become a model for other cities facing similar issues. This would be a big step for press freedom across the country.
Meanwhile, the LAPD faces ongoing investigations and lawsuits. If more evidence of misconduct comes out, the department could face new rules or even federal control over how it handles protests.
The situation is still changing. Protests continue in Los Angeles and other cities, and many people are watching to see how police and government officials respond.
Practical Guidance for Journalists and the Public
If you are a journalist covering protests in Los Angeles, you now have strong legal protection. Here are some steps you can take:
- Wear clear press identification at all times. This helps police and others know you are a journalist.
- Carry a copy of Judge Vera’s order if possible. If you are stopped or threatened by police, show them the order.
- Document any incidents of police interference or violence. Take photos, videos, and notes.
- Report violations to the Los Angeles Press Club or the ACLU of Southern California. These groups can offer legal help and track abuses.
For members of the public, the ruling means you can expect more accurate and complete news coverage of protests. Journalists can now do their jobs without fear, which helps everyone stay informed.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
If you need to file a complaint or get legal help, here are some important contacts:
- Los Angeles Press Club: lapressclub.org
- LAPD Complaint Hotline: 1-800-339-6868
- ACLU of Southern California: aclusocal.org
- U.S. District Court, Central District of California: cacd.uscourts.gov
For more information about your rights as a journalist or protester, you can also visit the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, which provides guidance on civil rights and police practices.
Broader Impact: Why This Case Matters Nationwide
This case is not just about Los Angeles. Across the United States 🇺🇸, journalists have faced violence and arrest while covering protests. The federal judge’s order in Los Angeles could inspire similar legal actions in other cities. If courts in other places follow Judge Vera’s lead, police everywhere may have to change how they treat the press.
The case also highlights the importance of state laws like California’s Senate Bill 98. Laws that protect journalists are only as strong as their enforcement. When police ignore these laws, courts must step in to protect constitutional rights.
Voices from the Ground
Reporters who covered the protests say the violence they faced was unlike anything they had seen before. One photographer described being shot at with rubber bullets while holding up a press badge. Another reporter said she was pushed to the ground and threatened with arrest, even though she was clearly working as a journalist.
Civil rights groups say these stories show why strong legal protections are needed. When journalists are attacked, the public loses access to important information. As one press freedom advocate put it, “If the press can’t report on what’s happening, democracy suffers.”
Looking Ahead: What to Watch For
- July 24, 2025: The next court hearing will decide if the LAPD’s restrictions become permanent.
- Ongoing Investigations: More than 80 complaints of officer misconduct are being reviewed. The results could lead to new rules or even federal oversight of the LAPD.
- Possible National Impact: If the court order is extended, it could set a precedent for police departments across the country.
Conclusion and Next Steps
As of July 11, 2025, a federal judge has placed strict limits on how the LAPD can treat journalists at immigration protests. This order is temporary, but it sends a strong message about the importance of press freedom and police accountability. Journalists now have clear legal protection, and the public can expect better coverage of important events.
If you are a journalist, protester, or concerned citizen, stay informed about your rights and report any violations. The outcome of the July 24 hearing could shape press freedom in Los Angeles and beyond for years to come.
For more updates and analysis on immigration protests, press freedom, and related legal developments, keep following trusted sources and official government websites.
Learn Today
Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) → A short-term court order preventing legal violations, here restricting LAPD’s actions for 14 days.
Rubber Bullets → Less-lethal projectiles used by police for crowd control, which caused injuries to journalists in protests.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → Federal agency conducting immigration raids, triggering large protests in Los Angeles.
Senate Bill 98 → California law protecting journalists from police force and interference during protests.
First Amendment → U.S. constitutional right guaranteeing freedom of the press and speech.
This Article in a Nutshell
A federal judge temporarily bans LAPD from using force against journalists covering immigration protests, protecting press freedom. This follows multiple violent incidents and a lawsuit by nearly 1,000 journalists. The order highlights growing concern for media rights and holds police accountable during civil unrest in Los Angeles.
— By VisaVerge.com
