Don sits down for his first interview since his arrest, detailing what happened after he was detained while reporting on an anti-ICE protest inside a church. He breaks down the critical distinction between protesters entering a place of worship and journalists documenting events as they unfold, emphasizing that he was there strictly in a reporting capacity not as an activist.
Don recounts offering to surrender peacefully and receiving no response, outlines the timeline of his arrest, and speaks on fellow journalist Georgia Fort, who was also arrested while covering the same protest. He addresses the broader implications of the Trump administration’s policy allowing ICE agents to enter schools, healthcare facilities, and houses of worship, and reflects on the overwhelming support he’s received from fellow journalists.
Though he says he’s “okay,” Don is candid about the reality: these are federal charges stemming from him doing his job. He explains that he followed the group into the church to interview those involved, documenting events as a journalist, not participating in the protest. Despite this, both activists and Don were arrested.
The incident occurred on Thursday while Don was in Los Angeles to cover the Grammys. FBI agents later came to his hotel, presented a warrant on a cellphone, and arrested him—a moment he describes as intentionally intimidating and humiliating. He says he was held for several days without a phone call, has since retained legal counsel, and underscores why protecting and supporting independent journalism is more important than ever.
