A petition calling for federal civil rights charges to be dropped against journalists who covered an anti-ICE protest at a church has amassed over 17,000 signatures. “In this country, under the First Amendment, reporters are free to view, document, and share information with the public,” the petition states. Lemon and Fort have since been released from custody and maintain they were only there as journalists and observers exercising their First Amendment rights. Fort, an Emmy-winning independent journalist, worked as a weekend anchor from 2015 to 2017 at WVTM in Columbus, Georgia which covers areas in Alabama. Bill sponsor, Rep. Greg Barnes, R-Jasper, told ABC 33/40, that the legislation was inspired by the “disgusting” protest at Cities Church.

Source: CNN February 06, 2026 02:30 UTC