A new report claims violence against journalists has surged in 2025, but the data reveals most incidents occurred during anti-ICE protests where law enforcement confronted unruly crowds disrupting immigration enforcement operations.
Story Overview
- 118 assaults and 28 arrests of journalists reported in 2025, primarily during anti-ICE protests
- Most incidents concentrated in Los Angeles during protests against lawful immigration enforcement
- Law enforcement used crowd control measures including rubber bullets and chemical irritants
- Press freedom advocates blame political rhetoric while ignoring context of illegal protest activities
Anti-ICE Protests Drive Most Incidents
The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker reports 118 assaults and 28 arrests of journalists in 2025, with the majority occurring during anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. These protests targeted Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations designed to remove illegal immigrants and restore border security. Law enforcement responded with crowd control measures including rubber bullets and chemical irritants when protesters became violent and obstructed lawful immigration enforcement activities.
Law Enforcement Maintains Order During Immigration Operations
Police actions during these protests reflect necessary crowd control measures when demonstrators interfere with federal immigration enforcement. The Trump administration’s commitment to removing illegal immigrants and securing the border has triggered organized resistance from open-borders activists. Law enforcement officers faced hostile crowds attempting to obstruct ICE operations, requiring tactical responses to maintain public safety and allow federal agents to perform their constitutional duties.
Political Context Behind Press Freedom Claims
Press freedom advocates trace these incidents back to 2017, claiming political rhetoric has contributed to journalist targeting. However, the data shows most incidents occur when media personnel place themselves in volatile protest situations where law enforcement must manage unruly crowds. The focus on California, Georgia, and Texas reflects states where immigration enforcement has intensified under renewed federal priorities to address illegal immigration and border security violations.
Media Organizations Face Operational Challenges
News organizations report increased security spending and concerns about journalist safety during coverage of immigration-related protests. Additional challenges include restricted access to certain events, equipment seizures during crowd control situations, and legal subpoenas for source information in criminal investigations. These operational impacts reflect the complex environment created when media coverage intersects with public safety concerns during enforcement of federal immigration law.
