The Hubbard School educates the public on the rights and responsibilities of journalists to safely report on stories that affect the community.
On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, three journalists were injured by law enforcement officers in Saint Paul while doing their job of reporting on a federal immigration operation and the demonstration being held in response to it by community members. According to MPR News, “Three photojournalists who covered a federal immigration arrest that drew hundreds of protesters to Saint Paul’s East Side Tuesday, Nov. 25, say they believe police targeted them for doing their jobs. The photojournalists — MPR News visual journalist Kerem Yücel, freelance photographer Tim Evans who was working for Reuters, and Sahan Journal staff photographer Aaron Nesheim — were hit by pepper balls or other less-lethal munitions as they documented the day’s events. Yücel’s injuries sent him to the hospital by ambulance. He has since been released.” Read more at MPR News.
The Director of the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law, which is housed within the Hubbard School, also released a statement today condemning what appears to be law enforcement interference with journalists doing their jobs. “Journalists’ fundamental rights to gather and disseminate news about events that are matters of public concern are clearly protected by the First Amendment, as well as Minnesota law,” Silha Center Director and Professor Jane E. Kirtley said. “The safety of reporters documenting law enforcement operations to enhance public knowledge and oversight should never be compromised by the actions of those whose motto is ‘service with purpose.’ Law enforcement personnel must honor and uphold the lawful exercise of First Amendment rights by everyone, but especially by the journalists who serve as the eyes and ears of the public.”
"The faculty in the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication take seriously our responsibility to educate the public on the rights and responsibilities protecting press freedoms covered by the First Amendment,” said Elisia Cohen, Director of the Hubbard School and John and Elizabeth Cowles Chair in Journalism. “It does so through the work of its faculty, the Minnesota Journalism Center and the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law. We have partnered with the Society of Professional Journalists to host a number of programs in recent years training journalists how to ethically and responsibly cover law and immigration enforcement."
“Local journalists play an essential role in capturing facts on the ground and the impact of government actions,” said Minnesota Journalism Center Director Benjamin Toff. “When reporters and photographers are prevented from doing their jobs or intentionally targeted, the public is deprived of access to the critical information they need to understand and respond to events happening in their communities. In recent months, in partnership with other local and national organizations, we have sought to equip Minnesota journalists with the trainings and tools they need to safely cover the news, and we plan to redouble these efforts in the coming months.”
Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter issued the following statement: “The injuries sustained by journalists during Tuesday’s ICE-related incident are troubling. Reporters play a vital role in telling our community’s story with clarity and accuracy, particularly in moments when reliable information is scarce. When they are harmed while doing so, it jeopardizes public trust and the very freedoms our community deserves.
“The conduct we saw yesterday was jarring. I have directed a thorough review of all Saint Paul Police body-worn camera footage be done in a timely manner to understand exactly what happened and ensure full transparency and accountability. Saint Paul must remain a place where transparency is valued, civil liberties are upheld, and those who document our community can do their work safely. I am committed to ensuring the safety of all members of our community.”
For more coverage on the incident, see the Pioneer Press, Sahan Journal, Star Tribune and social media posts from Kerem Yücel and Tim Evans.
Located in Minneapolis in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota, the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication is a national leader in education, research and service. With an enrollment of nearly 1,000 students, the Hubbard School offers graduate, professional and undergraduate degree programs, as well as continuing education programs for working professionals through its Minnesota Journalism Center and Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law.