US federal forces blind two protesters shot in face with ‘less-lethal’ munitions

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Roque PlanasJanuary 17, 2026 at 02:00 PM

AI Summary

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During an anti-ICE protest in Santa Ana, California, last week, two protesters, Kaden Rummler and Britain Rodriguez, were blinded after being shot in the face with "less-lethal" munitions by federal officers. The incident occurred during a demonstration honoring Rene Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, sparking nationwide protests. Video evidence shows Rummler being shot at close range and then dragged into a federal building. Homeland Security policies classify strikes to the head or neck with impact weapons as "deadly force." While a DHS spokesperson described the protesters as a "mob" throwing dangerous objects, local reports and video evidence suggest only traffic cones were thrown.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Vicente Sarmiento 30% Los Angeles Times 30% KTLA 30% Minneapolis 40% Tricia McLaughlin 40% California 50% Renee Good ×260% Santa Ana ×370% Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ×370% Britain Rodriguez ×270% Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ×380% Kaden Rummler ×690%

Keywords

less-lethal munitions 90% protest 80% federal officers 70% use-of-force policies 70% blinding 70% immigration and customs enforcement (ice) 60% department of homeland security (dhs) 50% santa ana 50% deadly force 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Negative

Score: -0.70

Source Transparency

Source

The Guardian - World News

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.40)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Santa Ana

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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less-lethal munitions protest federal officers use-of-force policies blinding immigration and customs enforcement (ice)department of homeland security (dhs)santa ana deadly force

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