Senator Bernie Sanders condemned the arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon, describing it as an instance of authoritarian overreach amid ongoing tensions over federal immigration enforcement actions.
In a statement posted on social media, Sanders said, “ICE is occupying communities and shooting Americans. Now, former CNN anchor Don Lemon has been arrested for covering what ICE is doing. Arresting journalists is what happens in tin-pot dictatorships. We must fight back against authoritarianism.”
ICE is occupying communities and shooting Americans.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) January 30, 2026
Now, former CNN anchor Don Lemon has been arrested for covering what ICE is doing.
Arresting journalists is what happens in tin-pot dictatorships.
We must fight back against authoritarianism.
The remarks came shortly after federal agents took Lemon into custody in Los Angeles the previous night. Lemon, now an independent journalist hosting his own online program, had covered a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Demonstrators entered the church during a service to oppose Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the area, focusing on the pastor’s reported role as an ICE official. Lemon live-streamed the event, stating he was present as a reporter and not participating in the activism.
Don Lemon lied when he said he wasn’t involved and was just a journalist.
— Spitfire (@RealSpitfire) January 19, 2026
Again, he admits his involvement on camera
@AAGDhillon
pic.twitter.com/HJXhnFQhbo
Federal authorities, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, announced the arrests of Lemon and three others in connection with the incident, which officials described as a coordinated disruption. Lemon faces federal charges related to civil rights violations, including conspiracy and interference under laws protecting religious exercise.
The episode occurs against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny and criticism of ICE activities under the current administration. Recent enforcement operations in places like Minneapolis have drawn protests and reports of community impacts, including allegations of excessive force. Sanders has separately called for reforms to the agency, including leadership changes and restrictions on funding absent significant changes to its practices.
Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, described the arrest as an unprecedented challenge to press freedoms, emphasizing the importance of journalistic coverage during such events. Lemon was detained while in Los Angeles to report on the Grammy Awards.
Sanders’ statement frames the arrest within broader concerns about government actions toward media and dissent, highlighting what he views as a pattern of suppressing accountability on immigration policy. The case has prompted discussions among press advocates and civil liberties groups about protections for journalists documenting public events and protests.
