LA Journalist Hit by Sponge Bullet Amid Escalating Immigration Protests!

Los Angeles, California, USA - On the evening of June 9, 2025, Los Angeles became the epicenter of a heated protest against federal immigration enforcement activities. Tensions spiked when British photographer Nick Stern, 60, who was clearly marked as a member of the press, was injured while documenting the unfolding chaos. Stern was struck by a high-velocity „sponge bullet“ in the thigh, underscoring the potential dangers faced by journalists on the front lines of civil unrest. According to NBC News, Stern arrived at the scene amidst reports of immigration raids in the Paramount area. As he captured images of protesters waving a Mexican flag, he felt a sudden pain in his leg followed by darkness.

That moment marked a grim reality of protests in the era of aggressive law enforcement tactics. Video footage showed a Black Hawk helicopter allegedly dropping off ammunition for ICE, intensifying concerns among demonstrators. Eyewitness accounts reported that police were armed with „less-lethal weapons,“ which included flash-bangers and sponge rounds. Stern himself expressed anxiety about these tools being used improperly, especially after the deployment of the National Guard, fearing it would lead to rampant targeting of protesters.

The Evolution of Less-Lethal Weapons

The term “less-lethal” dates back to the mid-19th century, when law enforcement in cities like New York and Boston employed wooden clubs in efforts to subdue suspects without resorting to deadly force. Fast forward to the 21st century, and today’s police forces have integrated an array of high-tech devices designed to minimize injuries during arrests. A comprehensive study detailed by the National Institute of Justice reveals that roughly 15-20% of arrests in the U.S. involve the use of force of some kind.

While the intention behind less-lethal weapons is generally to prevent serious harm, there is an ongoing debate regarding their effectiveness and safety. Technologies like Tasers and pepper spray have gained substantial popularity, yet concerns linger about their potential to cause injuries and even fatalities under certain circumstances. For instance, data from urban police departments shows varying injury rates among officers and suspects during use-of-force incidents—often even minor tussles can lead to significant physical consequences.

Protest Injuries and Recent Findings

Recent studies, including one that examined over 24,000 use-of-force incidents, indicate that the odds of injury to both civilians and officers drop significantly with the application of less-lethal methods, such as conducted energy devices (CEDs). According to an extensive analysis featured in PMCA, the introduction of CEDs resulted in a reported 25% to 62% decline in injury rates for both parties involved in confrontations. While this presents an optimistic perspective on injury prevention, it also raises questions about appropriate use and potential over-reliance on such technologies.

So, where does this leave us? The disparity in injury rates has sparked a wealth of research focused on improving policing practices, emphasizing that less-lethal weaponry should be employed judiciously. Failures in proper use of these weapons can exacerbate tensions, as was starkly illustrated by the incident involving Stern. As he recovers from his injuries, the implications of his experience resonate strongly amidst ongoing discussions about law enforcement practices in America.

Ultimately, while less-lethal weapons promise a way to mitigate harm during police interactions, the need for stringent policies and training is paramount. As communities and law enforcement continue to navigate these challenging waters, it remains vital that safety—both for officers and civilians—takes precedence over aggressive enforcement tactics.