DHS, Secretary Kristi Noem sued over actions against journalists in LA – USA Today

DHS, Secretary Kristi Noem sued over actions against journalists in LA
The lawsuit contends federal officers used unconstitutional actions against journalists covering protests in Los Angeles.

By BrieAnna J. Frank, USA TODAY

The June 18 lawsuit was filed by the Los Angeles Press Club and the NewsGuild-Communications Workers of America. The lawsuit comes after the Los Angeles Press Club and other groups filed a June 16 lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and a June 18 lawsuit against Los Angeles County over similar allegations. The lawsuits are filed in federal court in Los Angeles.

Several journalism and civil rights organizations sued the Department of Homeland Security and Secretary Kristi Noem over what they described as the unconstitutional actions of federal officers deployed to Los Angeles amid protests over immigration raids in the city.

The American Civil Liberties Union is among the legal counsel representing the plaintiffs in the case, which include the Los Angeles Press Club and the NewsGuild-Communications Workers of America.

The lawsuit accuses DHS officers of “unnecessarily and indiscriminately” using less-lethal munitions against reporters, protesters and legal observers at the demonstrations.

“Suppressing the rights of the free press and protesters is the calling card of cowardly dictators and threatens to destroy our nation,” the lawsuit said.

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