Press Freedom Groups Denounce Arrests of Two Journalists Including Don Lemon After Minnesota Anti-ICE Protest

Press freedom organizations across the United States have strongly condemned the arrests of two journalists—including high-profile broadcaster Don Lemon—during an anti-ICE protest in Minnesota, warning that the incident represents a troubling escalation in the treatment of journalists covering politically sensitive demonstrations.

The arrests occurred amid a tense protest opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, where demonstrators gathered to denounce immigration enforcement policies they say harm immigrant communities. What has drawn national and international attention, however, is not only the protest itself but the detention of journalists who were clearly present to document events as they unfolded.

Journalists Detained While Reporting

According to eyewitnesses and press advocacy groups, the journalists were arrested while actively covering the protest, despite identifying themselves as members of the press. Video footage circulating online appears to show law enforcement officers detaining reporters as they filmed crowd movement and police actions.

Don Lemon, a well-known media figure, was among those briefly taken into custody. His arrest immediately sparked outrage, not only because of his public profile but because it underscored a broader concern: if prominent journalists can be detained while reporting, freelance and local reporters may be at even greater risk.

Authorities later released the journalists without charges, but press freedom groups argue that the damage was already done.

Press Freedom Groups Sound the Alarm

Organizations including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the Freedom of the Press Foundation swiftly condemned the arrests. In joint statements, they described the detentions as a violation of First Amendment protections and a dangerous precedent for press freedom in the United States.

“These arrests send a chilling message to journalists,” one statement read. “Law enforcement must respect the role of the press, especially during protests where public accountability is most critical.”

Press advocates emphasized that journalists play a vital role during protests, documenting interactions between police and demonstrators and providing the public with transparent, independent information.

A Growing Pattern of Tension

The Minnesota arrests are not an isolated incident. Over the past several years, journalists covering protests—particularly those related to immigration, racial justice, and policing—have increasingly reported harassment, detention, and in some cases physical harm.

Media watchdogs argue that this trend reflects a growing hostility toward the press during moments of civil unrest. They warn that blurred lines between protesters and journalists on the ground often lead to reporters being treated as participants rather than observers.

The arrest of journalists during an anti-ICE protest adds another layer of complexity, as immigration enforcement remains one of the most politically charged issues in the country.

Law Enforcement Response

Local law enforcement agencies have defended their actions, stating that the situation on the ground was chaotic and that officers were enforcing curfews or crowd-control measures. In some cases, officials claim they were unable to immediately verify press credentials.

Press freedom groups reject these explanations, arguing that journalists should not be detained simply because conditions are tense or confusing. They insist that police departments must have clear protocols to distinguish reporters from demonstrators, even in high-pressure situations.

“The burden is on law enforcement to protect constitutional rights, not suspend them,” said one legal observer familiar with press rights cases.

Don Lemon Responds

Following his release, Don Lemon addressed the incident publicly, expressing concern not just for himself but for journalists without the same platform or protections.

“This wasn’t about me,” he said in a statement. “It’s about whether journalists can do their jobs without fear of arrest simply for being present.”

His remarks resonated widely, with journalists across the political spectrum voicing solidarity and sharing their own experiences of intimidation while covering protests.

Why This Matters Beyond Minnesota

The arrests have sparked broader conversations about the state of press freedom in the United States. While the country often positions itself as a global defender of free speech, incidents like this raise uncomfortable questions about how those principles are upheld domestically.

Press freedom groups warn that normalizing journalist arrests—even temporary ones—can lead to self-censorship. Reporters may avoid covering protests or controversial topics altogether, depriving the public of vital information.

This concern is particularly acute for immigration-related protests, where communities already feel marginalized and misrepresented.

Calls for Reform and Accountability

In response to the incident, advocacy groups are calling for clearer national standards protecting journalists during protests. These include mandatory press identification training for officers, stronger departmental policies, and consequences for violations of press rights.

Some lawmakers have also weighed in, urging investigations into the Minnesota arrests and reaffirming the importance of the First Amendment.

“This is not a partisan issue,” one representative said. “A free press is essential to democracy, regardless of who is in power.”

A Defining Moment for Press Rights

The denouncement by press freedom groups following the arrests of two journalists—including Don Lemon—may mark a defining moment in the ongoing struggle to protect journalistic independence in the United States.

While no charges were filed, the incident has left a lasting impact, reinforcing fears that press freedoms are increasingly fragile during moments of political tension.

As protests continue across the country on issues ranging from immigration to civil rights, the question remains: will journalists be allowed to do their jobs without interference, or will arrests like those in Minnesota become an accepted risk of reporting?

For press freedom advocates, the answer must be clear. Without a protected and independent press, accountability fades—and democracy itself is weakened.