June 9, 2025 – The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) stands in solidarity with our members and all journalists reporting on the unfolding situation in Los Angeles. We’ve joined our partner organizations in calling on authorities to respect the First Amendment rights of journalists to cover matters of public concern, including immigration enforcement efforts. The unlawful use of force against members of the press is unacceptable in a democratic society.
We salute the courageous work of NAHJ members who are putting themselves at personal risk to ensure the public receives full and accurate reporting—as well as those working tirelessly on the editing desk or in the studio. Their coverage underscores the critical role of cultural competence in delivering journalism that informs the public, provides context, and deepens understanding—especially in Greater Los Angeles, which is nearly half Hispanic.
We encourage our members to download the one-page PDF on Press Rights at Protests from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. The full RCFP guide, Police, Protesters, and the Press, offers strategies and tools to help journalists avoid and navigate potential conflicts with law enforcement.
Journalists in need of emergency assistance can contact RCFP’s Legal Hotline at 1-800-336-4243 or via this web form. In addition, RTDNA has assembled SAFE Journalists Training and Resources.
NAHJ is developing a short safety video to support reporters covering these high-stakes stories safely and ethically. Longer term, we’ve scheduled a webinar for members on June 24 entitled Know Your Rights: Legal Protections for Journalists in the Field as part of our NAHJ Cares initiative.
As journalists, we understand the importance of covering these protests taking place across Los Angeles County. But your safety must remain the top priority.
Please stay safe—and thank you for your commitment to informing the community.