SFPD Detentions of Journalists Raise Alarms Ahead of This Weekends Anti-Trump Marches

San Francisco police detained multiple journalists, including UC Berkeley students Aarya Mukherjee and Sam Grotenstein, during protests against federal immigration raids, raising significant concerns about press freedom. The students, who were clearly identified as press, were held for up to an hour and faced physical aggression from officers. Mukherjee reported being thrown by an officer, resulting in an arm injury. Press freedom groups, including the Society of Professional Journalists, condemned these actions, emphasizing that California law protects journalists from such detentions. The police union suggested that distinguishing journalists from protesters can be difficult in chaotic environments.

Critics argue that these detentions reflect a broader pattern of law enforcement aggression toward student journalists. As tensions rise ahead of planned anti-Trump protests, advocates warn that suppressing press rights could escalate conflicts. The recent incidents underscore the urgent need for law enforcement to respect journalists' rights to ensure transparency and accountability.