Don Lemon arrested, two journalists react: BONUS Episode

Despite their undying love for the first amendment and a free press, Colin and Abby are not amused by Don Lemon’s participation/coverage of an Anti-ICE protest on Jan. 18 — inside of a church located in St. Paul, MN. His actions led to one misdemeanor and one federal charge, including the alleged violation of the FACE Act and Klan Act, for alleged conspiracy against the rights of the churchgoers who were exercising their freedom of religion/worship. Lemon and several others were charged with these violations, alongside activists like Nekima Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Allen, and William Kelly, who organized the protest against pastor David Easterwood (also the head of a local #ICE field office).As an independent journalist, Lemon claims he was acting in a manner protected by the first amendment right to free speech and press. However, if you blur the lines between #journalism and activism — while simultaneously breaking the law — then one could reasonably expect to face consequences. While we cannot claim to know what goes on in the head of #DonLemon, it seems that he is so far enjoying the “consequences” he has thus faced, as his name is more prominent now than at any time since his firing from CNN in 2023. Lemon is not being held in prison — to the contrary — he appeared at the #Grammys a short while after his arrest in Los Angeles. According to the Washington Post, Lemon and the other protesters could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. This episode was recorded on February 2, 2026. All opinions are our own and do not reflect those of any institution or affiliation, past or present.