Former national news anchor Don Lemon was taken into custody late Thursday in Los Angeles following federal interest in his role in a high-profile protest at a Minnesota church earlier this month. The development comes amid intensifying scrutiny from the Department of Justice and ongoing debate about free speech and journalistic activity during civil disturbances.
Federal Custody Following Protest in St. Paul
Lemon’s attorney confirmed that federal agents took the journalist into custody Thursday night. The move relates to his appearance at a demonstration at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protesters entered a Sunday service, leading to tense interactions with congregants and church leaders.
Authorities have not yet detailed the specific charges being pursued, but Lemon’s presence at the protest and his livestream coverage of the event have drawn significant federal attention. The Department of Justice has been examining whether his actions crossed legal boundaries beyond merely reporting on the protest.
Legal Backdrop and Controversy
Last week, a federal appeals court rejected an emergency request by the Justice Department to force a lower judge to sign arrest warrants for Lemon and several other individuals connected to the protest. That decision followed a previous magistrate’s ruling in Minnesota that declined to approve criminal charges against Lemon.
The protest, which aimed to spotlight concerns about immigration policy and ICE operations, drew national attention — particularly after ralliers entered a place of worship chanting slogans against federal enforcement. Lemon documented the event, interviewing participants and remaining alongside activists for part of the demonstration.
Critics of the federal actions argue that targeting a journalist for reporting or filming a public protest raises serious First Amendment issues. Supporters of the Justice Department’s approach contend that disrupting a worship service could cross legal lines, especially if the demonstration interfered with congregants’ rights.
Response From Lemon and His Legal Team
Lemon has maintained that he acted as a journalist throughout the incident, emphasizing the constitutional protections afforded to press coverage of public events. His attorney has criticized the Justice Department’s pursuit as an effort to penalize newsgathering rather than unlawful conduct.
The case remains fluid, and federal prosecutors may pursue additional legal theories as they build their investigation. News watchers and civil liberties advocates are closely monitoring developments, citing the balance between public safety, protest rights, and journalistic freedom.
