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Don Lemon Arrested at Anti-ICE Protest, Pleads Not Guilty

2/4/2026

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Summary

Lemon Arrested Protesting

Don Lemon, a former Cable News Network (CNN) anchor, was arrested January 30, 2026, in Los Angeles on federal charges tied to an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church.
Lemon says he was reporting, not participating.
Two people were arrested in connection with the protest.
Sharpton criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's administration as attacking the First Amendment.
Lemon plans to plead not guilty; a February 9, 2026 date is set.

Summary

Lemon Arrest Sparks Backlash

Don Lemon, the journalist, was arrested, triggering significant backlash from journalism organizations.
The National Association of Black Journalists and others condemned the charges as an attack on press freedom.
Independent journalist Georgia Fort criticized applying civil rights laws to journalists and warned of a constitutional crisis.
Two judges said Lemon should not have been arrested, but Pam Bondi escalated the case to a grand jury.

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Lemon Arrested Protesting

Don Lemon, a former Cable News Network (CNN) anchor, was arrested January 30, 2026, in Los Angeles on federal charges tied to an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church.
Lemon says he was reporting, not participating.
Two people were arrested in connection with the protest.
Sharpton criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's administration as attacking the First Amendment.
Lemon plans to plead not guilty; a February 9, 2026 date is set.

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