DHS Responds to Protester’s Injury From Clash With Federal Agents in California

Kaden Rummler was blinded in his left eye after being hit by a projectile during a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents confront protestors in front of the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis on Jan. 12, 2026. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Jan. 18 defended a group of federal officers who fired non-lethal rounds at a small crowd of protesters during a clash in California that left a college student blind in one eye.

“He RUSHED officers—a federal crime,” DHS wrote in an X post. “The riots in Los Angeles were a highly coordinated campaign of violence—agitators wielded shields and a mob of about 60 rioters threw rocks, bottles, fireworks, and even shot at law enforcement officers!”

Kaden Rummler, a 21-year-old student, was hit by a projectile during a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Jan. 9 in Santa Ana.

“Rioting and assaulting law enforcement are not only dangerous but also serious crimes,” the DHS added. “By putting law enforcement in danger and creating a conflagration of chaos, you are also risking your own life.”

The incident happened outside a federal building where a small crowd of anti-ICE protesters, some with megaphones, clashed with law enforcement.

This protest was one of many that erupted across the nation after a federal agent in Minneapolis fatally shot a protester, Renee Good, as she drove toward him with her SUV during an ICE operation. Federal officials have said the officer was struck by the vehicle and fired in self-defense.

Video shared on social media showed Rummler and other protesters advancing toward the ICE officers as they were making an arrest. That’s when officers fired non-lethal rounds at the small group of people.

Rummler was seen falling to the ground, holding his head, and then being dragged by law enforcement.

He was charged with a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct and will suffer from a lifelong disability.

“He’s completely blind” in that eye, his aunt Jeri Rees said.

Rummler still has shards of metal and nickel-sized pieces of plastic in his skull after undergoing six hours of surgery and staying in the hospital for two days, according to his attorney.

The college student has lost his depth perception, is no longer able to drive, and will likely have additional procedures to remove leftover fragments in his head.

Rummler’s attorney is considering a lawsuit.

The Epoch Times has reached out to his attorney for comment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.