Former CNN Anchor Don Lemon Arrested by Federal Agents After Controversial Minnesota Church Protest

In a development that has captured national attention, former CNN anchor and independent journalist Don Lemon has been detained by federal agents in Los Angeles following his involvement in covering a protest inside a church in St. Paul, Minnesota earlier this month. 

Lemon, 59, was taken into custody Thursday evening by federal law enforcement officials, including the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, according to multiple sources familiar with the arrest. 

What Led to the Arrest

The arrest stems from a protest that took place on January 18 at Cities Church in St. Paul, where demonstrators disrupted a worship service and accused a pastor of having ties to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Lemon livestreamed the event and has said he was there reporting on the scene as a journalist. 

Federal prosecutors had earlier sought to pursue charges related to the incident, but a federal magistrate judge in Minnesota declined to sign off on a criminal complaint against Lemon in connection with the church protest, saying evidence presented was insufficient at that stage. Lemon’s attorneys have maintained his actions were protected by the First Amendment. 

Protests and Federal Enforcement in Minnesota

The Minnesota protest was part of broader tensions over aggressive federal immigration enforcement operations in the Twin Cities area, which have drawn extensive criticism from local leaders, civil rights advocates, and activists. Demonstrators have been protesting the killing of Renée Good, a Minneapolis woman shot by an ICE agent earlier in January, as well as other immigration enforcement actions. 

At least three activists involved in the church protest — including civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong — have been arrested and charged under federal statutes related to interference with religious services. 

Reactions and Legal Pushback

Lemon’s legal team has condemned the arrest, arguing that he was fulfilling his role as a journalist by documenting the protest and interviewing participants and church members. The judge’s earlier refusal to approve a complaint against him underscored the legal complexities surrounding the intersection of reporting and protest activity. 

Federal law enforcement agencies have not yet released specific charges related to Lemon’s arrest, and it remains unclear what formal accusations he may face as authorities continue their investigation.

Ongoing Debate Over Press Freedom and Enforcement

The incident has reignited debates over press freedom, the scope of federal enforcement authority at protests, and the legal protections afforded to journalists covering civil disobedience. Lemon’s supporters argue that criminal charges against a journalist for covering a protest could set a troubling precedent, while critics argue that entering and recording an active demonstration inside a place of worship crosses legal and ethical lines.

As of publication, Lemon is in federal custody in Los Angeles, and further updates are expected as legal proceedings develop. 

Keep in Mind

A judge earlier rejected the effort to charge Lemon in Minnesota over the protest, reflecting ongoing legal debate about his role there.