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Protester Severely Injured by Federal Officer During California Immigration Demonstration
A 21-year-old demonstrator suffered severe facial injuries and permanent vision loss after being struck by a projectile fired by a federal officer during a protest at an immigration facility in Santa Ana, California last Friday.
Kaden Rummler was hit in the face at close range during the confrontation outside the federal immigration building, according to video footage and statements from fellow protesters and family members. The incident occurred as agents in riot gear attempted to disperse demonstrators who had gathered in response to the shooting death of Renee Good by a federal agent in Minneapolis—an event that has sparked nationwide protests.
“I will never see through my left eye again, not even light,” Rummler said in a statement read by another protester on Tuesday. “I’m just glad I’m alive to tell my story.”
According to Rummler’s aunt, Jeri Rees, the college student spent two days in the hospital and underwent six hours of surgery on his left eye. She confirmed that he has lost all vision in that eye and suffered skull fractures. Doctors are still working to identify what fragments remain embedded in order to determine if additional procedures are needed.
“He’s completely blind in that eye,” Rees said. “There’s a hole in his eyeball.”
Video footage captured by OC Hawk, which documents breaking news in Orange County, shows the incident unfolding. Several hundred protesters had initially marched through Santa Ana streets, but by evening, a smaller group remained outside the federal building, shouting through megaphones about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The footage shows federal officers in riot gear positioned at the building entrance as demonstrators chanted on the steps below. Tensions escalated when officers grabbed one protester, identified in a federal criminal complaint as Katelyn Skye Seitz, pulling them onto the steps. In response, Rummler and other demonstrators stepped forward, shouting. That’s when an officer fired a crowd-control weapon at Rummler from several feet away.
After being struck, Rummler is seen grabbing his face and falling to the ground. An officer then dragged him by the shirt across the pavement and into the federal building, where later footage appears to show him face down being handcuffed. Fellow protesters can be heard shouting “leave him alone” during the incident.
The Department of Homeland Security has characterized the protesters as “violent rioters” and reported that two officers were injured during the confrontation. Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for the department, confirmed that two protesters were arrested and charged with assault on a federal officer and disorderly conduct. However, she did not provide details about the officers’ injuries or respond to questions about Rummler’s condition.
While DHS has not disclosed what type of projectiles were used during the incident, other protesters described them as pepper balls. The federal complaint against Seitz alleges they failed to leave federal property despite warnings, threw an orange cone at officers, and struck an officer in the shoulder and groin while resisting arrest.
The protest initially formed in response to the shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis, which has become a catalyst for demonstrations across the country. According to protesters from the group Dare to Struggle, they were there to “rightly protest the brutal execution of Renee Good, and the government agencies that uphold ICE’s ongoing brutality.”
Video footage shows some protesters burned what appeared to be an American flag on the building steps while chanting “Justice for Renee Good.” The situation escalated when some demonstrators moved onto the plaza where federal agents were positioned with crowd-control equipment.
This incident adds to growing tensions between law enforcement and protesters across the United States, raising questions about use of force protocols during demonstrations at federal facilities. Rummler reportedly received a citation for disorderly conduct following the incident.
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8 Comments
This is a deeply concerning incident. While the right to protest peacefully is fundamental, the use of excessive force by federal agents is unacceptable. I hope the authorities conduct a thorough investigation and hold those responsible accountable.
Agreed. Permanent vision loss is an extremely serious injury. The protester’s account is harrowing, and this incident underscores the need for better de-escalation training and oversight of federal law enforcement.
As a metals and mining investor, I’m troubled to see these ongoing clashes between protesters and authorities. While the industry is critical for the energy transition, the safety and rights of all citizens must be protected. Reasonable people can disagree, but violence should never be the answer.
As someone invested in the mining and energy sectors, I’m concerned about the broader implications of this incident. Peaceful protest is a fundamental right, but the use of excessive force undermines public trust and social stability. A balanced, measured response is needed from all sides.
Well said. Maintaining public order is important, but it must be achieved through lawful, proportionate means that respect human rights. I hope this leads to meaningful reforms to prevent such injustices in the future.
I’m curious to learn more about the specifics of this incident and the broader context of the protests. What were the factors that led to the confrontation, and what steps are being taken to prevent such severe injuries in the future? Transparency and accountability will be key.
Those are good questions. Given the complex and sensitive nature of these situations, a thorough, impartial investigation will be important to understand exactly what happened and ensure appropriate actions are taken.
This is a tragic and disturbing event. While the details are still emerging, the protester’s account of permanent vision loss is heartbreaking. I hope the authorities move swiftly to address this and work to de-escalate tensions through open dialogue rather than force.