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By Kate Plummer
Senior US News Reporter
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Don Lemon has sparked fury within the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement after suggesting people arm themselves in case of a visit by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The journalist and former CNN anchor had suggested on podcast The Left Hook with Wajahat Ali that "Black people, brown people of all stripes" should "legally" get a gun in case their homes were visited. He also added he was "not condoning or promoting violence."
Newsweek reached out to ICE and Lemon to comment on this story outside of normal business hours.
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Why It Matters
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Since assuming office in January, President Donald Trump has made deporting undocumented immigrants a key priority. While some are in favor of increased scrutiny of people's legal status, some critics have raised concern about ICE agents' expanded authority to conduct raids and immigrant rights groups, lawyers and other stakeholders have questioned the legality and ethics of their actions.
Meanwhile, Lemon hosted his own show on CNN from 2014 until it was canceled in 2022. He left the network in 2023. He now posts content on other mediums including social media and has a big public profile meaning his comments reach large audiences.
What To Know
Speaking on Tuesday, Lemon said: "If you believe in the second amendment, if you believe in the constitution, Black people, brown people of all stripes whether you're an Indian American or a Mexican American or whoever you are, go out, in your place where you live and get a gun legally, get a license to carry legally, because when you have people knocking on your door and taking you away without due process as a citizen, isn't that what the second amendment was written for?"
After his comments circulated on social media, in response, Robby Starbuck, a filmmaker and conservative activist said Lemon was "inciting violence against ICE agents."
The Libs of TikTok account, which has 4.5 million followers, said Lemon was "encouraging violence and promoting lawlessness."
Conservative activist CJ Pearson said: "The left is trying to get ICE agents killed."
Ali defended Lemon's comments to Fox News as his first amendment right.
It is not the first time Lemon has sparked controversy. In March, he claimed Black "rational MAGA" fans do not exist, prompting some backlash.
What People Are Saying
**Thomas Gift, the founding director of the University College London Centre on U.S. Politics told Newsweek: "**It’s certainly justifiable to criticize the president’s use of ICE agents, but responding with a form of vigilante justice—suggesting that immigrants take up arms against law enforcement—is a step too far. It’s little wonder there’s been backlash to Lemon’s comments."
What Happens Next
Lemon is yet to respond publicly to the backlash or provide any additional statements about the podcast.
Update 10/17 11:50 am ET: This story was updated with additional information.
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