Crowd-control weapon misuse blinds protesters, report finds 2026

A new report reveals the misuse of crowd-control weapons on ICE protesters led to blindings and traumatic brain injuries, highlighting a brutal trend in law enforcement tactics. The study by Physicians for Human Rights and UC Berkeley documents 412 verified incidents from June 2025 through May 2026, with 203 confirmed injuries including blindings, traumatic brain injuries, lacerations, and fractures.

Key findings on crowd-control weapon injuries

The report details how teargas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray were deployed against protesters outside immigration detention centers. Researchers found that visual investigative techniques often miss invisible injuries like chemical burns or hearing loss, meaning the true injury count is likely much higher.

Types of injuries documented

• Blindings from rubber bullets and pepper spray
• Traumatic brain injuries from blunt force impacts
• Lacerations and fractures from projectiles
• Chemical injuries causing chronic pain

Comparison of crowd-control weapons and injuries

Notable incident involving Senator Andy Kim

During a protest at the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, ICE officials pepper sprayed Senator Andy Kim, sparking national outrage. This incident became a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over law enforcement's use of less-lethal weapons.

Expert commentary on the findings

Dr Rohini Haar, lead author of the report, called the data concerning. Researchers emphasized that the misuse of these weapons violates human rights standards and demands accountability from local and federal agencies.

FAQs about crowd-control weapon misuse

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