LOS ANGELES - Several journalism organizations and civil rights groups have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Secretary Kristi Noem, alleging unconstitutional use of force against journalists and protesters during recent demonstrations in Los Angeles [1][2][3].

The lawsuit, filed on June 20, 2025, in Los Angeles federal court, accuses DHS officers of using "unnecessary and excessive violence" to prevent journalists from exercising their First Amendment rights [1]. The plaintiffs include the Los Angeles Press Club, the NewsGuild-Communications Workers of America, individual journalists, protesters, and a legal observer [2][3].

According to the complaint, the alleged incidents occurred during protests that erupted on June 6, 2025, in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in the city's garment district [1]. The lawsuit claims that DHS officers misused various weapons, including tear gas, rubber bullets, pepper balls, and batons, to retaliate against protesters and reporters [2].

Adam Rose, press rights chair of the Los Angeles Press Club, stated, "Since June 6, at least seven members of our organization have been subject to use of force or suffered a serious press rights violation by DHS officers" [1]. He emphasized the importance of a free press in maintaining an informed public and, by extension, a functioning democracy.

The lawsuit alleges violations of the First, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments [1]. It accuses the federal officers of "unnecessarily and indiscriminately" using less-lethal munitions against reporters, protesters, and legal observers at the demonstrations [3].

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California is among the legal counsel representing the plaintiffs [3][4]. The lawsuit characterizes the federal agents' actions as an assault on press freedom and the right to protest [3].

In response to the protests, President Trump deployed 1,700 National Guard troops to Los Angeles on June 8, 2025 [1]. The lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration used the "violent spectacle created by DHS as a reason to commit more federal forces to Los Angeles" [4].

As of June 22, 2025, neither the Department of Homeland Security nor Secretary Kristi Noem have publicly responded to the allegations. The case is expected to draw significant attention as it progresses through the federal court system.