Don Lemon Arrested for Covering Minnesota ICE Protest

Former CNN Anchor Faces Federal Charges After Church Demonstration

In a dramatic escalation of tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States, former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested on federal charges related to his coverage of an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church. The arrest, which occurred on January 29, 2026, has sparked a fierce debate about press freedom and the boundaries of journalistic protection under the First Amendment.

The Controversial Protest

The incident centers around a January 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where approximately 30-40 activists disrupted a Sunday service. The demonstration targeted pastor David Easterwood, who serves as the acting field director for Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) St. Paul Field Office. Protesters chanted 'Justice for Renee Good' and 'Abolish ICE,' referencing the January 7 fatal shooting of 37-year-old writer Renée Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis.

According to federal prosecutors, Lemon was among nine individuals charged with conspiracy against religious freedom rights and attempting to injure while exercising religious freedom. The charges allege that Lemon physically obstructed congregants from entering the church during the protest, though Lemon maintains he was there strictly as a journalist covering the event.

Journalist or Participant?

During his live coverage of the protest, Lemon repeatedly stated, 'I am here not as an activist, but as a journalist.' He interviewed both churchgoers and activists, documenting the tense confrontation that unfolded. However, federal authorities claim his actions crossed the line from reporting to participation.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, who directed the arrests, stated in a press conference: 'This was not journalism—this was organized disruption of religious worship. The Department of Justice will not tolerate attacks on the fundamental right to practice religion freely.'

Lemon's attorney, Mark Geragos, fired back: 'Don Lemon was doing his job as a journalist, protected by the First Amendment. This arrest represents an unprecedented attack on press freedom and appears designed to distract from the administration's other crises.'

Broader Context and Reactions

The arrest comes amid heightened tensions in Minnesota following Good's killing, which was part of 'Operation Metro Surge'—a massive immigration enforcement operation involving 2,000 agents deployed to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. The shooting has sparked widespread protests and renewed scrutiny of ICE tactics.

Civil rights organizations have condemned Lemon's arrest. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) issued a statement saying: 'Criminalizing journalism sets a dangerous precedent. When reporters face arrest for covering protests, it chills essential reporting on matters of public concern.'

Meanwhile, conservative commentators have praised the Justice Department's action. Fox News contributor Tomi Lahren commented: 'Don Lemon crossed a line from observer to participant. Journalists don't block church doors—that's activism, and it should have consequences.'

Legal Proceedings and Implications

Lemon was arrested in Los Angeles while preparing to cover the Grammy Awards and was released on his own recognizance after a court appearance. He faces potential prison time if convicted on the federal charges.

The case raises critical questions about the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which protects religious worship access, and how it intersects with First Amendment protections for journalists. Legal experts note this could become a landmark case defining the limits of journalistic immunity during civil disobedience events.

As the legal battle unfolds, the incident has already intensified national debates about immigration enforcement, press freedom, and the role of journalists in documenting civil unrest. With Lemon's high profile and the politically charged nature of immigration issues, this case is likely to remain in the spotlight for months to come.