Former CNN anchor and journalist Don Lemon was arrested by federal agents late Thursday night in Los Angeles in connection with an anti-ICE protest that disrupted a church service in Minnesota earlier this month, according to multiple national reports.

Lemon was taken into custody while in Los Angeles, where he had been covering events surrounding the Grammy Awards. Federal officials confirmed that agents, including members of the FBI, were involved in the arrest. As of publication, authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific charges filed against him.

What Happened in Minnesota

The arrest stems from a January protest at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where demonstrators interrupted a religious service to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Protesters alleged that a church leader had professional ties to ICE, prompting activists to target the church as part of a broader demonstration against federal immigration enforcement policies.

Video footage from the incident shows Lemon inside the church recording the protest and interacting with demonstrators. Authorities have not publicly clarified whether Lemon is accused of actively participating in the disruption or whether the arrest is tied solely to his actions while covering the event.

Earlier Attempts to File Charges

The arrest follows earlier legal resistance from the courts. A federal magistrate judge previously declined to approve criminal charges related to the incident, citing insufficient probable cause at that time. A federal appeals court later rejected an emergency request from prosecutors seeking to force approval of arrest warrants, although one judge noted that arguments for probable cause had been presented.

Despite those rulings, federal authorities proceeded with Lemon’s arrest this week.

First Amendment Concerns Raised

Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, strongly criticized the arrest, calling it a serious threat to press freedom and the First Amendment.

In a public statement, Lowell said Lemon was engaged in constitutionally protected journalism and emphasized that Lemon has worked as a journalist for more than three decades. The defense argues that covering protests — even disruptive or controversial ones — is a core function of the press and protected under the Constitution.

Civil liberties advocates have echoed those concerns, warning that prosecuting journalists for covering protests could create a chilling effect on news reporting nationwide.

Political and Public Reaction

Reaction to the arrest has been swift and divided.

Some critics argue that disrupting a religious service crosses legal and ethical boundaries and should not be shielded by claims of journalism. Others warn that arresting reporters who document protests sets a dangerous precedent and undermines press freedom.

Immigration activists say the protest reflects growing opposition to ICE enforcement actions and broader frustration with federal immigration policy.

What Comes Next

Federal prosecutors have not yet released court documents detailing the legal basis for Lemon’s arrest, and it remains unclear whether formal charges will be pursued.

Lemon is expected to challenge the arrest, setting up a legal battle that could have national implications for journalists, protest coverage, and First Amendment protections.

NJBallot.com will continue to follow the case as more information becomes available.

Sources

ABC News

Associated Press

Reuters

CBS News

WSB-TV Atlanta