Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was taken into federal custody in Los Angeles on Friday while covering the Grammy Awards, according to law-enforcement sources. The arrest is tied to his presence at a January 18 protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The demonstration occurred inside Cities Church, where anti-immigration-enforcement protesters interrupted worship. Lemon, who now identifies as an independent journalist, livestreamed the event and was seen on video interacting with both protesters and congregants.
According to reports, Lemon has been charged with conspiracy to deprive rights and violating the FACE Act, which protects individuals’ First Amendment right to worship freely and without intimidation. Prosecutors allege his actions went beyond observation.
However, just last week, a federal magistrate judge in Minnesota declined to sign a criminal complaint against Lemon, ruling that prosecutors had not established probable cause at that time. Despite that setback, authorities continued pursuing charges.
Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, sharply criticized the arrest, calling it an unprecedented attack on press freedom. He argued that Lemon was acting solely as a journalist and did not plan or lead the protest.
The protest drew national attention amid heightened tensions over federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Demonstrations have increased following recent confrontations between ICE agents and local residents, intensifying political and legal scrutiny.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has since vowed that the Department of Justice will pursue charges against anyone involved in disrupting the church service. She emphasized that protecting places of worship is a priority and said no individual is above the law.
Bondi also confirmed that three other protesters were arrested in connection with the incident. As of Friday, Lemon remained in federal custody in Los Angeles awaiting further legal proceedings, with his case likely to test the boundaries between protest, journalism, and federal law.