AAJA joins NAHJ and other journalism organizations in standing with journalists who have been physically and verbally attacked by federal immigration agents while providing essential coverage in and near Minneapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, San Antonio, and other U.S. cities.
AAJA and other journalism organizations implore all law enforcement officers and the courts to respect journalists’ First Amendment rights and allow them to do their work without interference, physical abuse, threats or intimidation.
On January 25, federal immigration agents in Minnesota indiscriminately deployed pepper spray, hitting reporters, including independent journalist and NAHJ member Nick Valencia, even after he identified himself as a member of the news media.
Videos shared on social media show Valencia and other journalists covering the aftermath of Alex Pretti’s killing on Saturday being subjected to chemical irritants and physical force by federal immigration agents.
The incident is consistent with other reports from journalists covering immigration raids and related demonstrations who say they are facing similar treatment.
Chicago Sun-Times photographer and NAHJ member Anthony Vazquez was among reporters and photographers whom federal immigration agents hit with tear gas and other chemical irritants while covering demonstrations last fall in Chicago.
On January 28 outside the Dilley ICE detention facility, about an hour from San Antonio, Texas state troopers deployed chemical irritants during a protest near the facility, exposing journalists to the spray.
Journalism is protected under the U.S. Constitution. Law enforcement officers must respect the vital role journalists play in providing the public with timely, accurate information, particularly during tense and fast-moving situations that have involved serious injuries and fatalities.
The right of journalists to report from volatile and unfolding situations without risk to their health or safety is fundamental. When these rights are breached, we will not remain silent and will hold those responsible accountable.
Indiscriminate use of chemical irritants, tear gas, rubber bullets and other projectiles pose threats to the public, including journalists doing their jobs.
Courts have previously recognized these rights. In Chicago Headline Club v. Noem, legal action secured an injunction against such abuses, and journalists have said they would pursue further legal remedies if agents continue to target members of the news media.
As AAJA stands with our members doing this critical work, we share again our safety resources developed for journalists working in high-risk law enforcement environments.
Click here for the safety guide for urban coverage and to watch a video.
Journalists who encounter abuse or intimidation while working in the field can access help from the Committee to Protect Journalists at emergencies@cpj.org.
As immigration enforcement actions and public demonstrations intensify across the country, law enforcement agencies and the courts must ensure that journalists can work safely and without interference.
The rights and safety of all journalists is more than an ideal for AAJA and all organizations signing this letter. It is a founding principle and core to our mission. This is a commitment from which we will not step back, a commitment upon which we will act. AAJA will continue to support journalists as they persevere in their work.
In solidarity,
Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)
National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ)
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS)
The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists (NLGJA)
Local Independent Online News Publishers (LION)
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