Photographer pushed, hit with baton at LA immigration protest

Independent photographer Jonny Morales was shoved by police and jabbed in the ribs with a police baton while documenting a protest against immigration raids in Los Angeles, California, on April 11, 2026.

The protest, which included a few dozen participants, gathered at the downtown Metropolitan Detention Center, where immigrants are being held and where numerous demonstrations have taken place since the start of intensified immigration enforcement in the city in June 2025.

Morales told the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker that he was photographing the protest outside the detention center when police forced protesters to leave and began making targeted arrests.

Officers then gave conflicting directions to members of the press. One directed the reporters to the sidewalk, while another threatened the media with arrest for staying. While standing on the sidewalk with other reporters, Morales was pushed by an officer, who also struck him with his baton.

“Because of that interaction, I didn’t feel safe,” Morales told the Tracker. “That was just really scary and intimidating.”

Morales, who was carrying gear and wearing a vest that identified him as press, said one officer told him that he would be considered a protester because he did not have a press credential.

“I’m an independent, I’m considered press, I’m protected under state law,” Morales told police, who he said ignored his assertions.

California law allows members of the press to cover protests and exempts them from dispersal orders. It also protects them from arrest or interference by police during demonstrations, and does not require journalists to wear credentials to be considered press. A federal preliminary injunction against the city is in place to uphold those protections.

After leaving the protest, Morales said his ribs were sore and red. Other journalists were also shoved and hit during the scrum, impeding their ability to report.

“I was forced to stop documenting because I was concerned about my well-being and my friends’ well-being,” Morales said.

In an emailed statement, an LAPD public information officer told the Tracker that an unlawful assembly was declared in response to “vandalism and in the interest of public safety.” The officer added, “Following the lawful dispersal order, officers moved to regain control of the area and successfully dispersed those engaged in unlawful activity.”

The officer said the department is “aware of the complaints that have been raised,” adding that “each allegation will be subject to a comprehensive and thorough investigation in accordance with established Department policies and procedures.”

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said in a statement after a March 28 “No Kings” rally two weeks earlier — which resulted in at least 17 press freedom violations — that any use of force or allegations of mistreatment involving media members would be investigated and addressed.

“The LAPD recognizes the media’s right to cover events and makes reasonable efforts to accommodate, with those efforts consistent with our primary duty to maintain public safety and order,” the statement said.