Don Lemon Arrested by Federal Agents After Minnesota Church Protest
Former cable news anchor Don Lemon was taken into federal custody in Los Angeles in a case connected to an anti immigration enforcement protest inside a St. Paul church, raising constitutional questions involving press freedom and religious liberty.
By EEW Magazine News Desk
Don Lemon, shown in an illustrative image, was arrested Thursday night by federal agents in Los Angeles in connection with a case stemming from an anti immigration enforcement protest inside a Minnesota church. Image: EEW Magazine illustration
LOS ANGELES — Former cable news anchor Don Lemon was arrested Thursday night by federal agents in a case tied to an anti immigration enforcement protest inside a Minnesota church earlier this month, according to his attorney and multiple sources with direct knowledge of the matter.
Lemon was taken into custody in Los Angeles, where he was covering events connected to this weekend’s Grammy Awards, said his lawyer, Abbe Lowell. A source familiar with the case said a federal grand jury was empaneled Thursday.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations were involved in the arrest, sources said.
In a statement posted early Friday on X, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said federal agents arrested four individuals in connection with the protest at Cities Church. In addition to Lemon, those taken into custody were Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy. Bondi described the incident as a coordinated attack on the church during a worship service. Authorities have not publicly detailed the specific charge or charges the defendants face.
In related court proceedings in Minnesota, federal prosecutors previously sought to apply a provision of the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, commonly known as the FACE Act. While the law is best known for protecting access to abortion clinics, it also includes provisions safeguarding individuals exercising their constitutional right to religious worship.
A Minnesota magistrate judge declined to approve the FACE Act count against two individuals previously arrested in the same church protest, citing a lack of probable cause, according to court records and reporting by CBS News.
Lowell said Lemon’s arrest stems from his reporting in Minneapolis earlier this month, where he covered protests connected to federal immigration enforcement activity.
“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 said in a statement. “The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.”
Lowell criticized the U.S. Department of Justice, saying it has focused on prosecuting Lemon rather than investigating the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed during separate encounters with federal agents in Minnesota earlier this month.
“This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration will not stand,” Lowell said. “Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.”
The Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The case is rooted in a protest that took place earlier this month at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Demonstrators entered the church during a worship service after learning that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official appeared to be serving as one of the church’s pastors. The protest disrupted the service and led to multiple arrests.
Last week, a federal appellate court declined to order a lower court judge to issue arrest warrants for five individuals, including Lemon, in connection with the protest. One of the three judges involved said there was probable cause to justify the arrests, according to court filings and sources familiar with the decision.
Several individuals connected to the protest have already been arrested or charged, including civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong, St. Paul school board member Chauntyll Louisa Allen, and anti ICE activist and U.S. Army veteran William Kelly, according to court records and prior reporting. Federal prosecutors allege the group unlawfully interfered with churchgoers’ constitutionally protected right to freely practice their religion.
Lemon’s attorney maintains that his actions were journalistic in nature and protected under the First Amendment.
The case draws national attention to the fragile balance between press freedom, political protest, and the sanctity of religious worship, as courts and federal authorities grapple with how constitutional rights are weighed when demonstrations take place inside churches.
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