Doctors and human rights experts have documented hundreds of cases of the misuse of crowd control weapons during anti-immigration demonstrations across the United States. The findings cover June 2025 through May 2026.
The new report was released by Physicians for Human Rights and the Human Rights Center at UC Berkeley. Researchers say the true number of injuries is likely far higher than what can be verified.
What The Report Found
Hundreds Of Verified Incidents Documented
Researchers verified 412 incidents of alleged misuse. The data was collected from videos, medical records, and witness statements during anti-immigration demonstrations nationwide.
203 Injuries Confirmed By Experts
The team documented 203 injuries linked to crowd control weapons. Injuries include blindings, traumatic brain injuries, fractures, lacerations, and severe contusions from projectiles and chemical agents.
Invisible Injuries Hard To Count
Lead author Dr Rohini Haar said visual evidence cannot capture chemical burns, hearing loss, or chronic pain. “The true number of injuries is likely far greater,” the report states.
Where And How Weapons Were Used
Protests At Detention Centers Spiked
Much of the misuse occurred outside ICE detention facilities. In Newark, protesters gathered at Delaney Hall in solidarity with detainees on hunger strike before clashes escalated.
Chemical Irritants Deployed Frequently
Officials used teargas, pepper spray, and Mace to disperse crowds. One incident involved ICE pepper spraying New Jersey Senator Andy Kim, which drew national attention to tactics.
Kinetic Projectiles Caused Severe Harm
Rubber bullets and bean bag rounds were fired at close range. Researchers noted targeting of heads and bodies, violating manufacturer guidelines and increasing risk of permanent damage.
Who Was Responsible
Federal Agencies Led Most Incidents
Department of Homeland Security officials, including ICE and CBP, were linked to 64% of misuse cases. Federal operations drove much of the spike in documented harm.
Local Police Also Involved
State and local law enforcement used batons, shields, and teargas alongside federal agents. Haar said local involvement was “also concerning” especially in cities like Los Angeles.
Escalation Under Federal Surge Orders
Incidents rose sharply after surge operations led by former Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino. PHR noted spikes coincided with his deployments and social media promotion of enforcement actions.
Vulnerable Groups Targeted
Journalists And Medics Caught In Crackdown
The report flagged attacks on people in “protected categories.” Journalists covering protests and health workers treating injured protesters were struck by projectiles and chemical agents.
Children And Elderly Affected
A separate ProPublica report identified 70 children harmed by teargas or pepper spray. PHR added that elderly protesters were also documented among those injured.
Improper Use Violated Guidelines
Researchers defined misuse as firing at close range, aiming at heads, and ignoring safety protocols. “Those weapons can cause harm,” Haar said. “It’s just when they’re used, how they’re used and if they’re used.”
The Human Cost
Blindings And Brain Trauma Reported
Some of the most serious ICE protest injuries included permanent vision loss and traumatic brain injuries. Victims were often hit without warning during chaotic crowd dispersals.
Community Trauma Extends Beyond Injuries
Beyond physical harm, communities reported lasting fear and distrust. The interactive map released with the report lets residents see incidents in their own cities.
Comparison To 2020 Protests
Researchers said the scale echoes law enforcement response to 2020 racial justice protests. Elite Border Patrol units were again deployed for crowd control in multiple cities.
Hotspot Cities Identified
Over 90% Of Cases In Five Cities
Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, Newark, and Portland accounted for more than 90% of documented misuse. Mass protests erupted in each city since June 2025.
Newark’s Delaney Hall A Flashpoint
At Delaney Hall, masked ICE officials guarded the facility as protests grew. Tear gas filled the area and dozens were arrested by local and state police.
Los Angeles Saw Heavy Local Role
In Los Angeles, local law enforcement played an outsized role alongside federal agents. The city recorded some of the highest numbers of projectile injuries.
Expert Analysis
Dr Haar Warns Of Normalization
“Misuse of crowd control weapons has become routine,” Haar told the Guardian. She began the research after seeing a pastor hit with chemicals in Oakland.
PHR Calls For Policy Change
Physicians for Human Rights urges bans on firing projectiles at heads and restricting chemical weapons near vulnerable populations. They want independent oversight of enforcement tactics.
Manufacturing Standards Ignored
The report says many incidents violated weapon guidelines. Bean bag rounds and rubber bullets are meant for legs and at distance, not faces or close quarters.
Government Response
DHS Did Not Comment
The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to Guardian inquiries before publication. No official statement addressed the 412 verified incidents.
Fatal Shootings Also Under Scrutiny
Since January 2025, federal immigration officials have been responsible for at least 11 shooting deaths. Two occurred this month in Texas and Maine.
Criticism Of Enforcement Strategy
Critics argue aggressive tactics escalated violence. Bovino was removed after fatal shootings in Minneapolis, later criticizing the administration for not being tough enough.
Broader Context
Anti-Immigration Demonstrations Continue
Protests against Trump administration enforcement have grown nationwide. Demonstrators oppose arrests, detentions, and deportations they call inhumane and unlawful.
Legal Questions Remain
Civil rights groups are filing lawsuits over excessive force. Attorneys argue some tactics violate constitutional protections for protest and press freedom.
Public Pressure For Transparency
Advocacy groups demand body camera footage and incident reports be released. The PHR map is intended to increase public accountability for law enforcement crowd control.
What Happens Next
Calls For Federal Investigation
Lawmakers and human rights groups are calling for a federal investigation into the misuse of crowd control weapons during immigration operations.
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Medical Community Weighs In
Doctors warn that chemical exposure and projectile trauma have long-term health effects. Treatment costs and rehabilitation are straining community health resources.
Advocates Push Legislation
New bills propose restricting less-lethal weapons at protests. Supporters say the Physicians for Human Rights report provides evidence needed for reform.
The Guardian contacted DHS for comment but received no response before publication. Researchers say documentation will continue as anti-immigration demonstrations persist.
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