Report finds widespread misuse of crowd-control weapons against rioters protesting immigration enforcement.
A new investigation revealed that federal and local law enforcement repeatedly misused crowd-control weapons, including tear gas and rubber bullets, during anti-immigration demonstrations. Experts documented 412 verified incidents between June 2025 and May 2026, resulting in 203 reported injuries, which included chemical burns and traumatic brain injuries. The findings, released by Physicians for Human Rights, show that Department of Homeland Security agencies and local police accounted for most incidents. Researchers noted that the use of force often escalated during major enforcement operations authorized by the administration. The report documented that journalists, healthcare workers, and bystanders were frequently targeted. Experts stated that the tactics did not adhere to standards of necessity or proportionality. Furthermore, the misuse of these weapons has been linked to spikes in force following increased federal enforcement activity. The investigations suggest that the weapons, intended to be non-lethal, can cause severe and permanent injuries when used improperly. The data highlights a troubling pattern of excessive force against individuals protesting the administration’s immigration policies.