MGW statement on press safety while covering ICE-related protests

The following statement can be attributed to the Executive Committee of Media Guild of the West:

Media Guild of the West is deeply concerned that multiple journalists — including at least one of our members — have been injured while covering the ongoing protests over immigration raids after they were hit by “less-than-lethal” rounds fired by law enforcement.

Already, a SoCal News Group journalist was struck in the head by a pepper ball round during the protest in Paramount on Saturday and received medical attention. A day earlier, the same journalist had been struck in the leg with a pepper ball round while covering a protest in downtown Los Angeles. At both times, other journalists covering the protests were also struck by the same type of rounds. Others have been hit by tear gas.

Law enforcement must not interfere with the exercise of First Amendment rights. News organizations have a duty to provide protection for reporters, photographers and videographers who are covering these events. We are asking newsroom managers to live up to their obligations and ensure that their employees have all the safety gear they need to cover the current protests or other breaking news events.

Local Guild units — including the Los Angeles Times Guild and the Southern California News Group Guild — worked hard to make sure safety provisions were enshrined in our contracts.

With state and local leaders publicly warning that the arrival of National Guard troops could inflame tensions, the current safety risk to our members is particularly acute.

Our members — like all journalists — often put their own safety at risk as they provide firsthand accounts of these crucial events for  the community.

In return, we urge the leaders of our newsrooms to do everything they can to both protect and prepare those who are out in the field covering these rapidly moving events.