Immigrant Protests Prompt Police Brutality

     “Fuck ICE” was spray painted on every street corner. As my car stalled, immobilized in attempts to maneuver a blockade built by thousands of bodies on my way to Union station, I witnessed firsthand the June protests sparked days prior. Crackdowns on the part of law enforcement deployed chemicals, specifically tear gas, in addition to pepper balls on the masses gathered.
     Dubbed an unlawful assembly, the rallies turned riots prompted harsh resistance. Reports from the scene later revealed rubber bullets were unleashed, injuring the throng and even targeting journalists such as Marshall Woodruff and Lauren Tomasi. Multiple protestors were trampled due to mounted horses intended to intimidate and press crowds to disperse in a timely manner. Lasting a week, this public outcry following the Trump administration’s raids did not respond to the use of force, although stun grenades were employed.
      Federal forces including the National Guard and Marines were deployed from the Oval Office, and tasked with quelling the uprising, despite opposition on the part of elected California officials. Demonstrations did not fully cease until June 13, after which curfews were enacted. Meanwhile, the LAPD’s large scale weaponization of projectiles continues to draw sharp criticism from the public.