USC Freshman Blinded by Homeland Security Agent at LA Protest

Attorney says teen photographer had eye removed after being shot with less-lethal projectile.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:35am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered camera lens, the glass fractured and reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the violence experienced by a photographer caught in the crossfire of a protest.A shattered camera lens reflects the harsh reality of violent clashes between protesters and federal agents.Los Angeles Today

A University of Southern California freshman named Tucker Collins was allegedly shot in the eye with a less-lethal projectile by a Department of Homeland Security agent while photographing a recent 'No Kings' protest in downtown Los Angeles. Collins had to have his right eye removed as a result of the injury, according to his attorney V. James DeSimone.

Why it matters

This incident highlights concerns about law enforcement's use of force against protesters and members of the press. Federal judges have issued injunctions restricting Homeland Security and ICE agents from using certain less-lethal weapons, but DeSimone says his firm has represented over 15 people allegedly injured by agents during protests.

The details

According to DeSimone, Collins was taking photos of the protest near the Metropolitan Detention Center when he was shot in the eye. A nurse driving by offered to take him to the hospital, where doctors determined his eye needed to be removed. DeSimone says this is the third person who has lost an eye from Homeland Security agents' use of force during protests.

  • The incident occurred during a 'No Kings' protest on March 28, 2026 in downtown Los Angeles.
  • Collins, an 18-year-old USC freshman, was injured while photographing the protest.

The players

Tucker Collins

An 18-year-old University of Southern California freshman who was allegedly shot in the eye by a Homeland Security agent while photographing a protest in Los Angeles.

V. James DeSimone

The attorney representing Tucker Collins, who says he has represented at least 15 people allegedly injured by Homeland Security agents during protests.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency whose agents allegedly shot Collins with a less-lethal projectile, resulting in the loss of his eye.

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What they’re saying

“'We've unfortunately seen in other instances where law enforcement has targeted the press with violence. Instead of targeting people who were throwing things into the crowd, they were targeting someone who was documenting and taking photos of the crowd.'”

— V. James DeSimone, Attorney

“'This is the third person who's lost an eye, maybe the fourth by a [Department of Homeland Security agent]. Two were in Orange County. I'm not representing those people but my former partners are. I see it as a really rampant problem across the board.'”

— V. James DeSimone, Attorney

What’s next

DeSimone says he plans to file a federal civil rights lawsuit on Collins' behalf, claiming an officer shot him in reckless disregard of his rights. Other lawsuits filed by DeSimone's firm on behalf of individuals allegedly injured by Homeland Security agents are still in their early stages.

The takeaway

This incident raises serious concerns about law enforcement's use of force against protesters and members of the press, even those who are simply documenting the events. It highlights the need for greater accountability and oversight of federal agents' actions during demonstrations.