A recent federal court ruling has dealt a significant blow to the Los Angeles Police Department’s crowd control strategy, banning their use of 40mm less-lethal projectile launchers during protests. U.S. District Judge Consuelo B. Marshall issued the ruling after Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles successfully filed a contempt motion, presenting evidence that the LAPD had violated a prior 2021 injunction. The decision stems from the department’s deployment of these weapons without proper warnings during the 2025 immigration protests, resulting in numerous injuries and raising serious questions about the balance between maintaining public order and protecting civil rights.
Story Highlights
- Federal judge bans LAPD’s use of 40mm launchers during protests.
- Ruling follows violations of a 2021 injunction during 2025 protests.
- Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles filed a contempt motion leading to the ban.
- LAPD issued an immediate moratorium on the use of these weapons.
Federal Court Ruling on LAPD Tactics
U.S. District Judge Consuelo B. Marshall has ruled against the Los Angeles Police Department’s use of 40mm less-lethal projectile launchers during protests. This decision comes after evidence showed the LAPD violated a 2021 injunction that limited their use to situations involving violent resistors or immediate threats. The judge’s ruling was prompted by a contempt motion filed by Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles, which highlighted numerous injuries caused by these weapons during immigration protests in the summer of 2025.
A federal judge held Los Angeles in contempt of an order governing the police department’s use of less-lethal weapons during immigration protests last summer and banned the use of launchers that send bullet-like projectiles. https://t.co/meL6j67aqs
— Bloomberg Law (@BLaw) January 17, 2026
Background and Context
The LAPD’s use of less-lethal weapons traces back to reforms introduced following the George Floyd protests in 2020. A federal injunction was placed to restrict their use, requiring proper training and warnings before deployment. However, in 2025, during protests against federal immigration enforcement, the LAPD deployed these weapons without warnings, leading to significant injuries and public outcry. This event echoed previous incidents from 2020, calling into question the department’s adherence to court mandates.
The 2025 protests were marked by heightened tensions, with viral videos showcasing excessive use of force by law enforcement. These actions have placed the LAPD under intense scrutiny, especially given the city’s previous $50 million payouts in civil rights settlements.
Implications for Law Enforcement and Public Safety
In the short term, the LAPD will need to adjust its crowd control tactics to comply with the court’s ruling, potentially increasing risks during chaotic situations. The department has already received 86 complaints related to the 2025 protests, which may result in further financial liabilities for the city. In the long term, this ruling sets a precedent for stricter regulations on the use of less-lethal weapons, not only in Los Angeles but possibly influencing broader state and national policies as well.
This development has sparked a broader debate on the balance between maintaining public order and protecting civil rights during protests. While some argue that these weapons are essential for de-escalation, others believe they represent an overreach of police powers that must be curtailed to safeguard constitutional freedoms.
Watch the report: LAPD barred from using rubber bullets for crowd control
Sources:
Federal judge bars LAPD use of some ‘less-lethal’ weapons at protests
LAPD barred from using foam rounds during protests under lawsuit agreement – ABC7 Los Angeles.
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