Conservative reporter Kaitlin Bennett fined at anti-ICE Florida protest while interviewing Democrats

ST AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA: Conservative journalist Kaitlin Bennett was issued a federal citation by a National Park Service officer while conducting interviews at a public protest site.

The incident reportedly took place on federal property managed by the National Park Service, where Bennett was questioning participants in what appeared to be an a demonstration against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Video footage captured the heated exchange between Bennett and law enforcement that culminated in a $530 fine for allegedly disobeying a lawful order.

Confrontation during anti-ICE demonstration

"I was charged with a FEDERAL CRIME by @NatlParkService in St. Augustine, Florida, for committing the GRAVE offense of asking Democrats questions on public property! Keep federal agents out of our cities... unless they're locking up conservatives for different opinions! 🤔" Bennett posted on X alongside the clip.

The encounter began when Bennett approached protesters holding signs such as "Deport ICE" and "We [heart] Illegals."

A federal officer instructed her to relocate to a designated area. 

"You guys need to move," he says. "Over here, first amendment area."

"This [too] is a First Amendment area," Bennett declares.

The officer then mentions, "You don't have a permit here; they do." To which Bennett says, "I want my rights to be respected, I am allowed to be on Public Property."

As the discussion escalates, Bennett continues to assert her position. However, the officer warns her that she will get a ticket because she is "on federal land."

"Okay, great, I can't wait to fight this," Bennett responds, before noting how the protesters at the scene were cheering the officer's actions.

"The liberals here in Florida are cheering because this guy is trying to kick me off of public property."

The officer then requests identification and proceeds to issue the citation for disobeying a lawful order.

"Disobeying lawful order is your ticket. I directed you to go from there to here, so that's a district court violation notice. It's a $500 forfeiture, $30 processing fee, total collateral is $530," he says. 

However, when Bennett asks the officer to explain the "lawful order," the latter ignores her.

Conservative journalist alleges 'bogus charge'

Bennett clarified the nature of the charge in a follow-up post on X.

"The citation I received is not like a traffic ticket. It was issued by a federal agent. If I pay, it is equal to pleading guilty, and I would have a criminal record. I am represented by @RemnantLaw and will be fighting this bogus charge."

The ticket was a District Court Violation Notice from the National Park Service in St. Augustine, Florida. 

Bennett added in another post, "I got federally charged before Don Lemon, and I was just talking to people on the grass in a public park! @PamBondi @TheJusticeDept should look into this matter."

Outrage among conservatives 

The incident drew comparisons to the treatment of other media figures online. 

Several conservatives were outraged over perceived inconsistencies in enforcement, with some tagging Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

"Even under the Trump Administration, there's still a two-tier justice system in this country. I'm losing faith in it entirely," one user lamented on X.

"So this happened today and she's already been charged and fined? But Don Lemon committed his f**kery 3 days ago and nothing yet?" a comment read.

"Couldn’t even name the law she broke. While Don Lemon is laughing at us…" yet another user chimed in.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.