STORY: Journalist Don Lemon vowed to continue reporting the news in remarks outside a Los Angeles federal courthouse on Friday (January 30).

"I have spent my entire covering the news. I will not stop now," Lemon said. "In fact, there is no more important time than right now, this very moment, for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable."

Lemon entered a not guilty plea to federal charges over his role covering a protest at a Minnesota church against President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, the Republican administration's latest move against a critic.

A magistrate judge ordered Lemon released to await trial, after a night in custody following his arrest late on Thursday (January 29) by the FBI.

"The First Amendment of the Constitution protects that work for me and for countless other journalists who do what I do," said Lemon. "I stand with all of them and I will not be silenced. I look forward to my day in court."

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (JANUARY 30, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. JOURNALIST DON LEMON WALKING TO PODIUM OUTSIDE COURTHOUSE

2. (SOUNDBITE)(English) DON LEMON, JOURNALIST, SAYING:

"I have spent my entire covering the news. I will not stop now. [cheers] In fact, there is no more important time than right now, this very moment, for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable. Again, I will not stop now. I will not stop ever. [cheers]"

3. PHOTOGRAPHERS' CAMERAS AWAITING REMARKS

4. (SOUNDBITE)(English) DON LEMON, JOURNALIST, SAYING:

"Last night, the DOJ sent a team of federal agents to arrest me in the middle of the night to arrest me for something that I've been doing for the last 30 years and that is covering the news. The First Amendment of the Constitution protects that work for me and for countless other journalists who do what I do. I stand with all of them and I will not be silenced. I look forward to my day in court. [cheers]"