Former CNN Anchor Don Lemon Taken Into Custody Over Minnesota Church Protest

Former CNN anchor and independent journalist Don Lemon was taken into federal custody Thursday night in Los Angeles in connection with his involvement in an anti‑immigration protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota earlier this month. Lemon’s attorney confirmed the arrest on Friday.

Lemon, 59, had been in Los Angeles covering the Grammy Awards when federal agents brought him into custody, according to his lawyer, Abbe Lowell. The arrest stems from a protest on January 18 at Cities Church in St. Paul, where demonstrators opposed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions and interrupted a worship service.

Authorities allege Lemon was present during the protest with a camera and microphone, filming and interviewing participants as they entered the church. Although Lemon has characterized his presence as journalistic — saying he was reporting on the event, not participating in it — federal officials are pursuing charges linked to the disruption.

In a statement, Lemon’s attorney argued that his client’s actions were protected under the First Amendment, noting his long career in journalism and calling the arrest an unprecedented attack on press freedom. Lowell criticized the Department of Justice’s focus on Lemon, saying authorities should be addressing broader issues instead of detaining journalists.

It remains unclear what specific charges Lemon faces. Earlier this month, a federal magistrate judge in Minnesota refused to approve prosecutors’ initial attempt to charge him, concluding there was insufficient evidence at that stage. Despite that, federal agents later moved forward with the arrest after a grand jury was empaneled.

The protest at Cities Church drew national attention due to its disruption of a religious service and its focus on immigration enforcement — a politically charged issue that has intensified debates around federal policy. Lemon had streamed portions of the protest and interviewed attendees as events unfolded.

Lemon, who left CNN in 2023 after a long tenure at the network, now hosts an independent news program online. His arrest has generated strong reactions from journalists, civil liberties advocates, and commentators concerned about potential implications for press freedom.

As of Friday morning, Lemon remained in custody pending further legal proceedings. His attorneys have vowed to challenge the charges vigorously in court.