Former CNN journalist Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal authorities in Los Angeles on January 29, 2026, over alleged federal law violations connected to a protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota earlier this month. Lemon’s attorney argues the high-profile journalist was performing his reporting duties and plans to challenge the charges aggressively in court.
Protest at Cities Church Sparks Federal Action
The arrest stems from a protest on January 18, 2026, at Cities Church in St. Paul, where demonstrators opposing immigration enforcement entered during a worship service. The protest targeted a pastor who is also a local official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Federal prosecutors have accused several activists of disrupting the service and violating civil rights laws, though details of the charges against Lemon have not been fully disclosed.
Lemon, who had been in Los Angeles covering the Grammy Awards, was taken into custody by federal agents. His arrest comes after a magistrate judge previously declined to approve charges against him earlier this month, a decision that had been seen as a setback for the Justice Department’s initial attempt to prosecute him.
Attorney and Supporters Decry Charges as Attack on Press Freedom
Lemon’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, issued a statement framing the detention as a threat to free speech and journalistic independence. According to Lowell, Lemon’s presence at the Minneapolis protest was part of routine reporting protected under the First Amendment. The attorney also criticized federal authorities for focusing on the journalist instead of investigating other related incidents in Minnesota.
Public figures, including journalists and commentators, have voiced strong reactions to the arrest. They argue that prosecuting a journalist for covering and documenting protests could set a concerning precedent for press freedoms. Meanwhile, the Justice Department has not provided a detailed public comment on the charges.
Wider Fallout From Minnesota Immigration Protests
The church protest and Lemon’s arrest come amid ongoing tensions over federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota. The incident follows broader demonstrations and legal disputes involving activists and federal authorities, with some protesters already facing charges linked to civil rights violations.
As this case develops, Lemon’s legal team is preparing to challenge the prosecution, and public debate continues around journalistic rights, protest laws, and federal authority.
