JAWS Joins NAHJ to Demand Protection for Journalists Covering Immigration Raids, Protests
(January 29, 2026) - Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS) joined the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and other journalism organizations to demand protection for journalists covering immigration raids and protests. The statement can be read here or below:
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists stands 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.
NAHJ 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 Sunday night, 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
The incident is consistent with other reports from journalists covering immigration raids and related demonstrations who say they are facing similar treatment while doing their jobs.
Chicago Sun-Times photographer and NAHJ member Anthony Vazquez was among reporters and photographers who federal immigration agents hit with tear gas and other chemical irritants while covering demonstrations last fall in Chicago.
On Wednesday 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 NAHJ stands with our members doing this critical work, we share again our safety resources developed for journalists working in potentially dangerous situations. Click here for the safety guide for urban coverage and to watch a video. You can also follow this link for a downloadable version of the guide you can share peer-to-peer.
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. NAHJ will continue to support our journalists as they persevere in their work.
This is not just a principle for NAHJ, and all organizations signing this letter for us protecting press freedom, the rights and safety of ALL journalists is at the heart of our mission, and we will not step back from that commitment.