Former CNN anchor and respected journalist Don Lemon was taken into federal custody in Los Angeles on Friday, January 29, while in town to report on pre-Grammy events. The arrest, confirmed by CBS News, is connected to Lemon's coverage of an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church earlier this month.
According to federal court documents, Lemon and eight others were indicted on charges of conspiracy against religious freedom and interference with the exercise of religion at a place of worship. The protest, which occurred on January 18 at Cities Church in St. Paul, was sparked by the congregation's ties to an ICE official.
Lemon's Court Appearance and Statement
Lemon appeared in court in Los Angeles the same day and was released on his own recognizance. Dressed in a cream-colored double-breasted suit, Lemon did not enter a plea. He will appear again in court on February 9 in Minneapolis.
Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, Lemon stated:
"Last night, the DOJ sent a team of federal agents to arrest me in the middle of the night for something I've been doing for 30 years - covering the news. I will not be silenced."
Accusations Stir First Amendment Debate
Lemon's legal team, led by attorney Abbe Lowell, defended the journalist's presence at the Minnesota protest as part of his constitutionally protected reporting.
"Don has been a journalist for 30 years... The First Amendment exists to protect journalists who shine light on the truth," said Lowell, adding that the real concern should be about the federal agents involved in earlier incidents.
The arrest comes amid growing concerns over press freedom and government overreach, especially when journalists are caught in legal crossfire while documenting protests and civil unrest.
Lemon was in Los Angeles preparing to cover events tied to the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, which air this Sunday.
