A newly released human rights report has raised concerns about the alleged misuse of crowd control weapons during protests related to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The report documents hundreds of incidents involving tear gas, rubber bullets, pepper spray, and other less-lethal weapons. It claims that many protesters suffered serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and permanent vision loss.

Human Rights Report Documents Hundreds of Incidents

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) and the Human Rights Center at the University of California, Berkeley, conducted the investigation and reviewed incidents that occurred between June 2025 and May 2026. Researchers verified 412 alleged incidents involving crowd control weapons during demonstrations connected to ICE operations across multiple U.S. cities.

Serious Injuries Reported Among Protesters

The report states that at least 203 people suffered injuries during the documented incidents. Reported injuries included traumatic brain injuries, severe eye damage that caused blindness, fractures, and deep lacerations. Researchers also found that journalists, legal observers, and medical volunteers suffered injuries during several demonstrations.

Calls for Greater Accountability

The organizations behind the report argue that authorities should use crowd control weapons only under strict legal and safety standards. They have called for stronger oversight, transparent investigations into alleged misuse, and improved law enforcement training to reduce the risk of serious injuries during future public demonstrations.

Public Debate Continues Over Protest Policing

The findings have renewed public debate over how U.S. authorities use less-lethal weapons during protests. The report presents documented allegations and recommendations, while government agencies may respond to or dispute its conclusions as additional reviews and investigations continue.

Conclusion

The newly published human rights report has intensified scrutiny of crowd control weapons during ICE-related protests. By documenting hundreds of alleged incidents and serious injuries, the report has added momentum to ongoing debates about public safety, law enforcement accountability, and crowd-management standards. As policymakers, advocacy groups, and authorities review the findings, the issue will likely remain a significant part of discussions about policing practices and civil rights in the United States.