Albuquerque 'ICE Out' Protest Leads to Journalist Arrests

ACLU attorney weighs in on rights to protest and civil disobedience amid nationwide anti-immigration crackdown

Jan. 30, 2026 at 8:31pm

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Hundreds gathered at Civic Plaza in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Friday to protest against the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies. The protest came after the arrests of journalists Don Lemon, Georgia Fort, Trahern Jeen Crews, and Jamael Lydell Lunday in connection with an earlier anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church. ACLU First Amendment attorney Kristin Love discussed the legal rights of protesters and the risks of civil disobedience.

Why it matters

The arrests of journalists at the anti-ICE protest highlight the ongoing tensions between the government's immigration enforcement efforts and the constitutional rights of free speech and assembly. The case raises questions about the boundaries of protest and the role of the media in covering controversial political issues.

The details

On Friday, January 30, 2026, hundreds gathered at Civic Plaza in Albuquerque to protest against the Trump administration's immigration policies. The protest was part of a nationwide 'ICE Out' movement following the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal agents in Minneapolis in January. Protesters and organizers called for a 'no school, no work' action in response to the administration's crackdown on immigration. The protest came a day after the arrests of journalists Don Lemon, Georgia Fort, Trahern Jeen Crews, and Jamael Lydell Lunday in connection with an earlier anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church on January 18.

  • On Friday, January 30, 2026, hundreds gathered at Civic Plaza in Albuquerque to protest against the Trump administration's immigration policies.
  • On Thursday, January 29, 2026, journalists Don Lemon, Georgia Fort, Trahern Jeen Crews, and Jamael Lydell Lunday were arrested by federal agents in connection with an anti-immigration protest at a Minnesota church on January 18.

The players

Kristin Love

An attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) who specializes in First Amendment rights.

Don Lemon

A journalist who was arrested in connection with an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church on January 18.

Trahern Jeen Crews

An individual who was arrested in connection with the anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church on January 18.

Georgia Fort

A journalist who was arrested in connection with the anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church on January 18.

Jamael Lydell Lunday

An individual who was arrested in connection with the anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church on January 18.

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What they’re saying

“We're so thrilled to see people out here exercising their First Amendment rights. It's so critical that people are exercising those rights to criticize the government. Everyone has the right to protest on public property like parks and sidewalks and streets. Those are quintessential public for where people can protest.”

— Kristin Love, First Amendment Attorney, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

“The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable. There is no more important time for people like Don to be doing this work.”

— Abbe Lowell, Attorney for Don Lemon

What’s next

A judge released Don Lemon on his own recognizance, without bail, following his court appearance in Los Angeles, CA.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the government's immigration enforcement efforts and the constitutional rights of free speech and assembly. It raises questions about the boundaries of protest and the role of the media in covering controversial political issues, especially in an era of heightened political polarization.