Don Lemon corrected on law after saying illegal border crossings not a crime

Don Lemon Faces Legal Lesson During Street Interview

Don Lemon faced an awkward moment during a street interview when he incorrectly stated that crossing the border illegally is not a crime. The incident occurred in Chicago, where a legal Mexican migrant corrected Lemon on the law regarding immigration.

In the interview, the woman questioned Lemon about the legality of entering the US without proper documentation. Lemon responded by stating that crossing the border illegally is a misdemeanor, not a criminal act. When the woman challenged him on why individuals are being sent back if they are not breaking the law, Lemon insisted that a misdemeanor is not a crime.

Another person then joined the conversation, asking Lemon if other misdemeanor offenses like speeding or drunk driving would also be considered crimes. Lemon defended his stance, explaining that there are different levels of crime and not everything is the same.

The US Code Title 8 prohibits illegal entry and re-entry between ports of entry into the US. A first offense is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine or up to six months in prison. Re-entering the country after deportation can escalate the offense to a felony with a maximum sentence of two years in prison.

Lemon criticized the lack of due process for individuals being deported under Donald Trump's immigration policies. Despite Trump's claims that deportations target violent criminals, many migrants without such backgrounds have been affected by the crackdown.

The interview with Lemon sparked ridicule on social media, with users questioning his understanding of the law. Some praised the woman for challenging Lemon's statements, while others expressed surprise that Lemon shared the video on his YouTube channel.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Lemon for comment on the incident.