In Los Angeles, police have resorted to using hundreds of less lethal rounds, including tear gas and flash bangs, to break up ongoing anti-ICE protests that have persisted for about a week.
On Tuesday night alone, more than 200 individuals were arrested after Mayor Karen Bass implemented a citywide curfew.
According to Kieran Doyle, a researcher monitoring civil unrest, the current situation in Los Angeles marks a significant escalation of tensions reminiscent of the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, primarily sparked by Trump’s “Deportation Agenda.”
Here’s a rundown of various riot control measures used in Los Angeles to manage protests.
Tear Gas
Commonly referred to as CS gas, this substance is utilized by both the LAPD and the California Highway Patrol in handheld canisters to disperse crowds. While it’s banned in military conflicts under the Geneva Protocol, it is routinely employed for managing riots.
Impact Rounds or Baton Rounds
This type of “less lethal ammunition” can be fired from specialized launchers or modified shotguns. Although intended to minimize harm, these rounds can still cause significant bruising. Recently, the LAPD fired about 600 of these rounds over the weekend, opting for foam projectiles instead of traditional rubber bullets, as reported.
These alternatives are viewed by many police departments as safer than rubber bullets, which have been associated with serious injuries, especially during the 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstrations. Officers are trained to angle these projectiles to bounce off the ground, hopefully reducing head injuries. However, a photographer from the New York Post didn’t escape unscathed; he was struck in the head by one such round, resulting in a significant injury.
Pepper Balls
In Los Angeles, pepper balls are used as a crowd control measure. Designed to burst upon impact, they release a pepper spray effect that can lead to discomfort, including coughing and a burning sensation in the eyes.
These projectiles are launched from weapons designed similarly to paintball guns.
Baton
The LAPD and California Highway Patrol have employed batons—made from wood, metal, or polycarbonate—against demonstrators. These nightsticks are among the oldest tools used for crowd control and have a long history in law enforcement.
Flash Bangs
Used by both military and law enforcement, flash bang grenades are designed to disorient targets with blinding flashes of light and loud noises.
