Don Lemon, Georgia Fort Pledge Continued Reporting After Anti-ICE Protest Arrests
Independent journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort reaffirm their commitment to reporting following their arrests at an anti-ICE protest in Minnesota. The pair were detained after covering an incident at Cities Church in St. Paul, where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official serves as pastor. They were released from federal custody on January 30, 2026, amid public outcry from human rights and journalism organizations.
Details of the Incident
A federal grand jury in Minnesota indicted both journalists on charges related to interrupting a religious service. However, Lemon and Fort assert they were not involved in the protest but were there to report the events as journalists.
Statements from Don Lemon and Georgia Fort
- Don Lemon emphasized on his YouTube show the importance of solidarity among journalists, stating, “I will not be silenced.”
- Georgia Fort expressed determination to continue telling stories from her community, describing the arrests as a “chilling message” to media professionals.
Fort noted, “As journalists, we never want to be the story.” She highlighted the broader implications of their arrests for press freedom, warning that such actions may escalate further.
Legal Proceedings and Reactions
Notably, a federal magistrate had previously declined to approve Lemon’s arrest due to insufficient evidence. Furthermore, a chief federal appeals court judge in Minnesota dismissed a prosecutor’s appeal, indicating there was “no evidence” of criminal activity related to Lemon’s reporting.
Support from Legal Representatives
- Abbe Lowell, Lemon’s attorney, described the arrest as “an unprecedented attack on the First Amendment.” He pledged that Lemon would contest the charges thoroughly.
- Leita Walker, representing Fort, asserted that she will also defend herself vigorously in court.
The events surrounding the arrests have sparked significant debate about press freedom and the rights of journalists in the current climate. Lemon and Fort’s determination to continue their work highlights the ongoing challenges faced by independent journalists today.
