• by Ray Schultz , Yesterday

The NewsGuild-CWA has condemned the alleged targeting of reporters with “less-lethal” rounds and tear gas during the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.

“Police have fired on local, national and foreign reporters who were only doing their jobs,” says the NewsGuild, which represents more than 28,000 publishing workers, including journalists, in the US. 

“These actions by law enforcement are illegal,” it continues. “They violate California state law and are unconstitutional under the First Amendment. Law enforcement has imperiled the safety of journalists on the job and disregarded the U.S. Constitution, the First Amendment and the rights of journalists in the United States. Police cannot target journalists for doing their jobs.”

At least three journalists were hit with plastic or rubber bullets during the protests: Nick Stern, a British news photographer; Lauren Tomasi, a correspondent for Australia’s 9News; and Sergio Olmos, according to reports.