Justice Department Sues to Stop Ohio Courthouse Arrest Block

The Lawsuit Filed Tuesday

The Justice Department sued an Ohio court on Tuesday. They want to knock down a rule blocking federal agents from making arrests inside the Franklin County Municipal Court. Under this new local order, civil arrests can’t happen at the building unless an officer holds a judicial warrant. That’s a direct clash with how federal immigration law works, according to Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate.

Shumate spoke for the department.

They argue this local restriction creates a dangerous gap in enforcement. Federal agents claim these arrests are now far riskier because they can’t be made where they used to be. Instead of walking into a secure courthouse, agents might have to chase people down at homes or workplaces. The department says this shift puts everyone on the street in greater peril.

Two Columbus ICE officers have been hospitalized recently after facing violence during arrests away from the courthouse. The Justice Department notes this happened within the past three months. They point out that an arrest at a jail might only need two officers. Usually, an arrest in the field demands between four and six individuals to stay safe. Fox News reports the department says this local rule forces agents into those riskier settings. Federal agents say they previously carried out arrests at the courthouse routinely and without incident. The lawsuit aims to protect that federal right to enforce the law where it is safest.

A Separate Case Involving Don Lemon

A different legal battle is moving forward in Minnesota. A federal judge is asking the Justice Department to release grand jury records. These records relate to the indictment of former CNN anchor Don Lemon. Judge Laura Provinzino ordered the release of these materials by Tuesday.

The case started on Jan. 18 when Lemon joined a protest at a church. Demonstrators were targeting a pastor who works for ICE. Lemon said he was there to report on the event. The government argues his actions violated the right to worship.

Lemon faces charges that could lead to a year in prison. He also faces a fine of up to $10,000. The charges include interfering with religious freedom at a place of worship. The statute bans “any person by force, threat of force, or physical obstruction exercising or seeking to exercise the First Amendment right of religious freedom at a place of religious worship.”

Lemon maintains he is not guilty. He told reporters, “I will not be silenced. I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now.” He added that there is no more important time for a free media to hold power accountable. Prosecutors argue Lemon did more than just report. They claim Lemon and others surrounded the pastor “in an attempt to oppress and intimidate him.” The judge has not yet found evidence of misconduct. She is reviewing the records to decide if the case should be tossed.

The Justice Department must respond to the judge’s order by Tuesday. This deadline comes after Lemon’s legal team asked for the release of transcripts in late May. The materials include witness testimony and legal instructions given to the grand jury. The outcome of this review will determine if the charges against the former anchor proceed.

Who decides where the line is drawn between reporting and obstruction?

The judge’s decision on the records is the next concrete step.