Incident at Santa Ana Protest
Britain Rodriguez, 31, an Orange County resident, reported being struck in the eye by a less-lethal round fired by Homeland Security officers during an anti-ICE protest in downtown Santa Ana on January 9. He is the second individual to report being hit in the face at this protest.
Accounts of the Injured
Rodriguez stated he was standing with demonstrators when federal officers opened fire, hitting him in the face. He described the sensation as his eye "exploded." A video shared by his girlfriend shows Rodriguez on the ground, holding his face and screaming, as he was escorted away. His girlfriend, Ale, who also reported being hit by a less-lethal round in the chest without injury, stated that officers gave no warning before firing.
Kaden Rummler, 21, was reportedly struck in the face at the same time. Rummler later stated that doctors found plastic, glass, and metal fragments in his skull and stomach lining, and removed a piece of plastic "the size of a nickel" from his injured eye. He reported that a metal piece lodged millimeters from his carotid artery. Rummler also alleged that DHS officers did not immediately call paramedics and pushed his face into a pool of his own blood.
Department of Homeland Security's Statement
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary with the Department of Homeland Security, stated that DHS law enforcement transported a "rioter" to the hospital for a cut, and the individual was released the same night. McLaughlin asserted that a "mob of about 60 rioters" threw rocks, bottles, and fireworks at officers, resulting in injuries to two officers and the arrest of two individuals for assault on a federal officer and disorderly conduct. She described the event as a "highly coordinated campaign of violence" involving rioters with shields.
Witness Accounts and Video Evidence
Witnesses, including Rodriguez and his girlfriend, disputed McLaughlin's account, stating no bottles, rocks, or shields were present. A spokesperson for the Santa Ana Police Department confirmed awareness only of orange traffic cones being thrown at federal officers that night.
Videos from the incident show demonstrators throwing orange traffic cones at federal officers outside the Santa Ana federal building. Subsequently, three DHS officers approached the group, and one attempted to detain Skye Jones. During this apprehension, two other officers fired less-lethal rounds into the crowd, striking a woman in the leg and Rummler in the face. Video evidence shows Rummler falling, holding his face, and later being dragged by an officer.
Protest Context
Hundreds had gathered to protest the killing of Renee Good, the Trump Administration’s mass deportations, and police brutality, chanting "ICE out of O.C." and displaying signs against raids and deportations.
Official Reactions
Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Benjamin Vazquez commented on the events, describing the federal officers’ actions as "deplorable." He stated that firing projectiles at someone's face could be lethal and questioned why agents did not de-escalate or remain inside the fortified federal building, adding that "the violence doesn’t match the protests."
Rodriguez's Condition and Future Intentions
Doctors informed Rodriguez that the projectile caused damage to his iris, cornea, and lens, leading to a cataract. He will require surgery, and the extent of vision recovery is unknown. The injury has impacted his ability to work as an after-school program supervisor and artist. Rodriguez expressed his intention to continue protesting once recovered.