Don Lemon’s Controversial Comments on ICE
In a recent episode of Wajahat Ali’s podcast, former CNN anchor Don Lemon suggested that non-white Americans might consider taking up arms against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, claiming that illegal border crossings are a crime, as he was informed by residents in Chicago.
Lemon kicked off the discussion by expressing frustration, saying, “I’m tired of all the kindness. It doesn’t work in this administration. It doesn’t work in this day and age.” He urged listeners to stop being overly polite—suggesting perhaps a shift in tone is needed. He proceeded to argue that the Second Amendment was crafted for situations like these.
A quote from Lemon highlights his perspective: “Words have consequences. This kind of rhetoric will get one of our police officers killed.” He labeled the Trump administration as “tyrannical,” emphasizing that the Second Amendment aims to give citizens the means to oppose oppressive governments.
When questioned about whether he was inciting insurrection against the government, Lemon reiterated the importance of understanding the Second Amendment, encouraging individuals facing ICE actions to arm themselves legally. He seems to believe that being prepared is essential, saying something about never knowing when someone might show up at your door.
Later in the conversation, Lemon maintained his stance, advising anyone who supports the Second Amendment—regardless of their background—to legally obtain a firearm. He implied that the very essence of the Second Amendment is protection against unlawful actions by authorities.
Response from government officials was quick. Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at Homeland Security, issued a statement calling Lemon’s remarks “off-limits.” She labeled calls for violence against law enforcement as fundamentally un-American, citing an alarming 1000% increase in violence against police officers recently.
It’s worth noting that Lemon made these comments amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, following a recent incident where a left-wing gunman targeted an ICE office, tragically resulting in the deaths of three detainees.
In defense of Lemon, Ali remarked that the former anchor was simply exercising his First Amendment rights and pointed out an inconsistency in how the Second Amendment is viewed across different demographics, questioning whether it truly applies to all Americans.
