A 23-year-old Los Angeles man has filed a legal claim against the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) after he says he was permanently blinded in one eye by a projectile fired by an officer during an immigration protest in January.
Jesus Javier Gomez Islas attended a demonstration outside the Metropolitan Detention Center on 31 January, part of ongoing protests against Donald Trump’s immigration policies. According to his claim, he arrived on his scooter after work and was hit by a projectile moments later. Doctors have told him he will not regain sight in his right eye, and he is at risk of losing vision in his left eye due to complications.
Video footage shared by his attorneys shows a green paint explosion near his head, but does not clearly identify the source. The claim alleges the projectile came from an LAPD weapon, though federal officers were also present. The LAPD has declined to comment, citing pending litigation.
Gomez Islas described the incident: “I was in my work uniform, not posing a threat. Then suddenly I felt something punch my eye.” He said he panicked and could not open his eye. The claim seeks $100 million in damages for excessive force, assault, battery, negligence, and emotional distress, and also alleges a traumatic brain injury.
His lawyer, Jamal Tooson, stated: “No amount of money will bring back his vision. We will hold the LAPD accountable.” The LAPD disclosed that officers at the protest used an FN 303 launcher, capable of firing paint rounds, and reported that demonstrators threw rocks and fireworks.
