Don Lemon urges minority communities to arm themselves amid immigration crackdown
By bellecarter // 2025-10-22
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  • Don Lemon urged Black and Brown Americans to purchase firearms legally, invoking the Second Amendment as protection against potential government overreach, specifically referencing ICE operations under Trump.
  • Lemon criticized conservatives for supporting gun rights while allegedly reacting negatively when minorities assert the same rights, framing it as a racial double standard.
  • He claimed ICE raids could lead to unjust detentions without due process, though ICE officials maintain operations target those with deportation orders, not random citizens.
  • His remarks echo past civil rights movements (e.g., Black Panthers) and highlight a split in progressive politics—some advocate gun control, while others see firearms as tools for marginalized self-defense.
  • Critics argue Lemon's claims lack evidence, while supporters see his stance as empowering. The debate intensifies discussions on race, gun rights and government power in an already divided nation.
Former CNN host Don Lemon sparked controversy this week by calling on Black and Brown Americans to legally purchase firearms in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations under the Trump administration. During a podcast interview with writer Wajahat Ali, Lemon invoked the Second Amendment, arguing that marginalized communities should arm themselves against potential government overreach. His remarks come amid heightened political tensions over immigration enforcement and gun rights, raising questions about racial disparities in Second Amendment advocacy. Lemon, who was fired from the media outlet in 2023 following allegations of workplace misconduct, made his case on Ali's podcast "The Left Hook." "I am not condoning or promoting violence," he clarified before urging legally present minorities to exercise their gun rights. "Here’s what I'm saying to Black and Brown people, to Mexican people, to people who are here legally and who can go and buy a gun legally and have a license to carry legally: Go do it! Why not?" He framed gun ownership as a defensive measure against ICE raids, which he claimed could escalate into unjust detentions. "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?" Lemon asked.

Political backlash and hypocrisy claims

Lemon accused right-wing proponents of gun rights of hypocrisy, suggesting they react differently when minorities assert the same constitutional protections. "The folks on the right say it all the time … 'Second Amendment, I get to carry my gun!'" he said. "But the moment you [Ali] and I say it, because, you know, a Black and a Brown brother—it's like, 'Oh my gosh! What are they saying?'" His remarks also drew a sharp contrast between undocumented immigration and President Donald Trump's legal troubles. "We have degrees of criminality in this country and what Donald Trump did is at the highest level of criminality, except for taking someone's life," Lemon argued. "Someone who is crossing the border is nowhere near that." However, BrightU.AI's Enoch notes that ICE officials have repeatedly stated that enforcement actions target individuals with deportation orders, not random citizens. White House border czar Tom Homan has emphasized that detentions of U.S. citizens—though rare—are typically resolved quickly. Lemon did not provide evidence of widespread wrongful ICE arrests when pressed for comment. Lemon's call to arms echoes historical tensions around race and gun ownership in America. From the Black Panthers' armed patrols in the 1960s to modern-day debates over "stand your ground" laws, the intersection of firearms and racial justice remains contentious. Some civil rights activists argue that marginalized communities have long been discouraged from exercising Second Amendment rights, while others warn that inflammatory rhetoric could escalate tensions. The discussion also highlights a paradox in progressive politics: While many liberals advocate for stricter gun control, some—like Lemon—embrace firearms as a means of self-defense against perceived government oppression. This ideological rift underscores the complexity of gun policy in an increasingly polarized nation. Lemon's remarks have reignited debates over gun rights, racial equity and immigration enforcement. While his call for minority gun ownership aligns with some historical civil rights strategies, critics argue that his framing of ICE raids as a widespread threat to citizens lacks substantiation. His comments may further polarize discussions around the Second Amendment, law enforcement and the role of firearms in resisting government power. Whether his message resonates or backfires remains to be seen—but for now, it has undeniably added fuel to an already fiery national conversation. Don Lemon gets crushed in a street interview. Watch this video. This video is from Rick Langley's channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

HeadlineUSA.com NYPost.com YouTube.com X.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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