Independent Journalist Georgia Fort Released from Federal Custody Following Controversial First Amendment Arrest
On January 30, 2026, independent Minnesota journalist Georgia Fort was released from federal custody hours after being arrested at her home in Minneapolis. Her arrest, along with that of veteran journalist Don Lemon, has sparked a national debate over First Amendment rights and the protection of journalists documenting public protests.
The Arrest and Release
Early Friday morning, Fort livestreamed the moments before her arrest as federal agents arrived at her door with a warrant. She was taken to the Whipple Federal Building, which currently serves as a headquarters for federal operations in the Twin Cities. Following an initial court appearance at 1:30 p.m., she was released to the cheers of supporters and family.
Background of the Case
The charges against Fort and Lemon stem from their coverage of an anti-ICE protest on January 18, 2026, at Cities Church in St. Paul.
The Protest: Demonstrators entered the church to protest its pastor, who reportedly also works as an official for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The Charges: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrests, describing the protest as a "coordinated attack". Fort faces federal accusations of conspiracy against rights and violations of the FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances, which also applies to religious services).
Journalistic Defense: Fort maintains she was present solely in a journalistic capacity for her organization, BLCK Press, to document an event of significant public interest.
Reactions and Impact
The arrests of Fort and Lemon—both prominent Black journalists—have drawn swift condemnation from civil rights groups and government officials.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated that "in Minnesota, we do not treat journalists like criminals for doing their jobs".
Press Freedom Groups: Organizations like the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) argue the detentions constitute a "lawless crusade" against routine journalism.
Legal Conflict: Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz had previously noted there was "no evidence" the journalists engaged in criminal behavior, highlighting a rift between the local federal bench and the Justice Department.
Fort is expected to vigorously defend herself against the charges, with her legal team asserting that the First Amendment fully protects her newsgathering activities.
Video below via Fox 9 Minneapolis