'The View' Co-Hosts Weigh In On Don Lemon's Arrest

Don Lemon continues to receive the support of other celebrities, with "The View" panelists joining the list.

The former CNN news anchor faced the music on Thursday, January 29, when he was arrested at night for his part in an anti-ICE protest. Although he was not part of the demonstrators, he was booked for reporting the incident.

Don Lemon's arrest sparked outrage for many reasons, particularly because it allegedly violated his First Amendment rights. He has since been released and vowed to fight the unjust charges against him in court.

Following Lemon's arrest, the hosts of "The View" had plenty to say about why they believed he should never have been taken into custody for reporting about an anti-ICE protest. ICYMI, Lemon covered a demonstration against ICE at a Minnesota church on January 18.

Ana Navarro was particularly shocked by his arrest, arguing that the Department of Justice (DOJ) went above and beyond to find any means of arresting Lemon. She claimed they visited three different courts to get judges' approval and failed each time.

"The judges in all three previous cases said to the DOJ, get the hell out of my courtroom, you clowns, there is no case here," Navarro declared. Entertainment Weekly noted that her words matched recent reports of a federal magistrate judge blocking the DOJ's attempt to charge Lemon.

Navarro noted that she believed Lemon's arrest was a warning to people of color and other journalists. She pointed out that four of the people arrested happened to be Black, adding, "This administration is afraid of people seeing the truth and being informed."

Sunny Hostin echoed similar sentiments, believing Lemon's case would be thrown out because he did nothing wrong. She argued that there was no merit before lamenting about Lemon's struggles as a reporter. "He's been pepper-sprayed, he's been tear-gassed," she claimed.

Alyssa Farah Griffin, who worked for Donald Trump during his first term in office, also supported Lemon. She called out the government for its hypocrisy, arguing that if it regarded outspoken Trump supporters like Matt Gaetz as journalists, then it had no reason to slam Lemon.

According to a recent report from PEOPLE, a total of nine people, including Lemon, have been arrested in connection with the anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church. The January 18 demonstration allegedly occurred because one of the church's pastors is an ICE official.

The list included Georgia Fort, an independent journalist like Lemon, who was booked for covering the Minnesota church protest. She live-streamed her arrest, capturing her interaction with federal agents who arrived at her door early on the morning of January 30.

The DOJ reportedly attempted to have charges brought against eight of the people arrested, including Lemon. However, Minnesota Chief District Judge Patrick Schiltz refused, allowing only three people to face charges.

This decision did not stop federal prosecutors, who later revealed that they had secured a grand jury indictment against all nine people.

Lemon's support group gained a powerful voice on Friday, January 30, during his court appearance. The Blast covered the story, reporting that Hollywood icon and longtime activist Jane Fonda joined protesters outside the courthouse to slam Lemon's arrest.

Fonda threw shade at Donald Trump, claiming the "wrong Don" had been arrested. She stressed that Lemon had only been doing his job as a reporter, and she would happily fight for his right to speak freely without restrictions.

"We have to speak up. When a red line is crossed like this, we cannot be silent," Fonda added. Her words came hours after over two dozen federal agents stormed the Beverly Hills Hotel to arrest Lemon around 11 p.m. on January 29. He was later released without bail and vowed to fight the charges against him.

After regaining his freedom on January 30, Lemon skipped Clive Davis's friends-and-family dinner that was held that night at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel. The Blast shared that he returned with a bang the next night for Davis's pre-Grammys party.

Lemon attended the event with his longtime partner, Tim Malone, wearing similar all-black ensembles. He radiated confidence and did not look like a man going through legal drama, as he was all smiles, enjoying the love and attention from A-listers.

A source claimed Nancy Pelosi and Busta Rhymes had words of encouragement for Lemon, while Davis gave him a special shout-out. The crowd reportedly erupted into thunderous applause and gave Lemon a standing ovation after Davis placed him in the spotlight.