Color Of Change calls on Attorney General Pam Bondi and the U.S. Department of Justice to immediately release journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort.

These arrests raise serious questions about the use of federal law enforcement in situations involving journalists covering protests, immigration enforcement, and civil rights issues. The Trump Administration is intentionally targeting journalists of color and LGBTQIA+ journalists who have refused to conform or submit to Trump's narrative or political framing.

The Department of Justice has the authority and the responsibility to correct this overreach and intimidation, stop this prosecution, and restore a commitment to our constitutional rights and freedoms.

Here is the Petition:

A free press is not a mere suggestion in America—it is a critical part of our nation.

Federal authorities arresting journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort is an unprecedented escalation that demands immediate congressional review and investigation. Journalists play a critical role in sharing the stories of the oppressed, targeted, and marginalized in protests and in the lived realities of this country.

When the federal government arrests journalists for doing their job, it sends a chilling message far beyond one individual.

This is bigger than Don Lemon and Georgia Fort. It is about how far this government is willing to go to spit in the face of the constitution, silence dissent, and intimidate those who disagree with their actions. We call on the Department of Justice to:

• Immediately release Don Lemon, Georgia Fort, and others arrested in connection with exercising their right to protest and their right to cover these stories in the press.
• Drop any charges related to lawful reporting
• End the intimidation and threats of political opponents

The Trump Administration is taking another page out of their authoritarian playbook to take over the media and crush dissent. Our democracy cannot function without a free and independent press.

Sign the petition to demand that Attorney General Pam Bondi and the U.S. Department of Justice immediately release journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort.