Protester Severely Injured by Rubber Bullet during Los Angeles ICE Demonstration

Martin Santoyo, a 33-year-old activist protesting against ICE raids in downtown Los Angeles, was severely injured when a police officer shot him in the groin at close range with a rubber bullet during a protest. Santoyo, who was unable to walk and still recovering at home, reported that he was hit without any prior declaration of an unlawful gathering by law enforcement. The injury resulted in one bruised testicle and the other shattered, requiring surgery with uncertain recovery time. Despite being in shock and needing to sit down, Santoyo and others assisting him were pushed by officers, and bystanders eventually helped him receive medical attention. The incident occurred amid ongoing protests and riots in Los Angeles, which have led to the Trump administration federalizing the California National Guard and deploying U.S. Marines to protect federal property. Santoyo’s account highlights tensions and confrontations between protesters and law enforcement during the demonstrations.