Journalist Don Lemon was arrested by federal agents following his involvement in a protest that disrupted a church service in Minnesota. The incident occurred on January 18, 2025, at the Cities Church in St. Paul, where demonstrators opposed the Trump administration’s anti-immigration policies. Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, confirmed the arrest took place in Los Angeles, where Lemon was reporting on the Grammy Awards.
The nature of the charges against Lemon remains unclear. His arrest followed a magistrate judge’s decision to reject an initial attempt by prosecutors to file charges against him. Lemon has stated that he was not affiliated with any organization at the protest and was simply fulfilling his role as a journalist documenting the events. “Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done,” Lowell remarked.
Protest Details and Legal Context
The protest at Cities Church was organized to draw attention to immigration policies, particularly those enforced by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A local ICE official serves as a pastor at the church, adding a layer of complexity to the situation. Alongside Lemon, a prominent civil rights attorney and two other individuals involved in the protest were arrested last week, facing accusations of civil rights violations for their role in disrupting the service.
Lowell emphasized the importance of the First Amendment, stating, “The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.” He assured that Lemon would contest the charges “vigorously and thoroughly in court.” This incident has intensified the ongoing tensions between residents and the federal government regarding immigration enforcement.
Lemon, who was dismissed from his position at CNN in 2023, has maintained that his actions during the protest were consistent with his long-standing commitment to journalism. The developments surrounding his arrest could have significant implications for press freedoms, particularly concerning journalists reporting on civil rights issues and protests.
The legal proceedings stemming from this incident will likely attract considerable attention, especially given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the broader implications for journalistic practice and civil liberties in the United States.
