Thompson Slams Arrest of Journalists: “If we lose our free press, we lose our democracy”

January 30, 2026 Press Release Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s arrest of two journalists over their coverage of an anti-immigration enforcement protest in Minnesota: “This is dangerous. If we lose our free press, we lose our democracy,” said Thompson. “To scare, intimidate, or threaten the press is a violation of the First Amendment and a deeply dangerous power grab by this administration. The seriousness of this attack on our free press cannot be overstated. When journalists and the media cannot report the truth, we risk the very foundation of our democracy. “This terrible act should be a reminder to our press to continue to aggressively and unabashedly report the truth for the good of our country.”