Following a close-range impact to the groin from a rubber bullet, an anti-ICE protester has reportedly suffered the shattering of one of his testicles, resulting in severe pain. The individual stated that although medical professionals have “somewhat fixed” the testicle, its condition remains poor.
For context, on June 14, 2025, KTLA in Los Angeles reported that Martin Santoyo, a 33-year-old participant in the violent protests in downtown LA, was struck in the groin by a rubber bullet as law enforcement advanced towards him. Santoyo informed KTLA that following the rubber bullet impact, he experienced significant difficulty walking and required surgical intervention.
In an interview with KTLA’s Lily Dallow, Santoyo elaborated on his current situation, expressing, “It is uncomfortable to sit down,” and noted that he sustained the injury while attempting to retrieve his water bottle from his backpack as authorities initiated actions to disperse the protests. Santoyo recounted to Dallow, “Then they began yelling, ‘Move back!’ However, I was still in the process of organizing my backpack and my bicycle when they forcefully pushed me.”
Furthermore, Santoyo recounted that at that moment, he addressed a police officer, stating, “Do not push me, I am already retreating.” According to Santoyo, after he communicated with the officer, “the officer adjacent to him drew his weapon and fired.” Additionally, Santoyo mentioned that the officer was positioned merely a few feet away when he discharged his firearm, striking him directly in the groin. “After being hit, I found it extremely difficult to walk,” Santoyo remarked.
Additionally, Santoyo recounted that he was “overwhelmed with shock” and unable to move after that moment, noting that the police officers were “continuously urging” him to step back. Santoyo stated, “Some other protesters were attempting to assist me in walking, but they were being pushed as well, and everyone was yelling, ‘Yo, he just got hit, let him breathe.’ I needed to rest for a moment, but they kept insisting I move.
Furthermore, the 33-year-old mentioned that after receiving assistance from other protesters to obtain medical care, he ultimately required surgery. He informed Dallow, “I have a bruised left testicle, and my right testicle was shattered.” He subsequently remarked, “They claim that they have somewhat repaired it, so it should retain some functionality, but it remains severely damaged.
Nevertheless, in spite of his injuries, Santoyo expressed his intention to persist in protesting and justified his choice to engage in the riots. “I went for those who cannot, for those who are too frightened to participate. There are many children I know who have lost their parents,” he elaborated. He later mentioned that he intended to join the “No Kings” protests, which occurred on June 14. “The 14th represents a significant movement, so I may be present in a wheelchair,” he stated.
Furthermore, Santoyo clarified that the physicians had not provided him with a definitive timeline regarding his recovery. Additionally, the protester mentioned that he is presently on leave from his job and has been advised to come back for a follow-up consultation in a few days to assess if he is able to resume work.
