Press Freedom

Columbia University

organization

Two Columbia students targeted: Mahmoud Khalil (arrested without warrant, detained 104 days) and Mohsen Mahdawi (arrested at citizenship interview). On February 5, 2026, NYPD made 12 arrests outside Columbia during anti-ICE protests.

Don Lemon

person

Arrested January 30, 2026, at a Beverly Hills hotel lobby by FBI and Homeland Security Investigations agents — where he was covering the lead-up to the Grammy Awards. Charged with conspiracy against rights of religious freedom in connection with a January 18, 2026 anti-ICE protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota (where ICE acting field director David Easterwood serves as pastor). AG Bondi stated arrest was "at my direction." Minnesota Chief Judge Schiltz wrote Lemon was "not a protester at all" with "no evidence" of criminal behavior. Attorney Abbe Lowell called it "an unprecedented attack on the First Amendment."

Pam Bondi

person

Attorney General who provided legal backing for the Alien Enemies Act, sensitive-location raids, and the government's position in Abrego Garcia. Personally ordered Don Lemon's arrest on January 30, 2026, stating it was made "at my direction."

Tufts University

organization

PhD student Rumeysa Ozturk was arrested by six masked agents for co-authoring a student newspaper op-ed. The university condemned the arrest. The incident sparked protests at universities across the country.