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Federal agents arrested Don Lemon in Los Angeles on Thursday night, January 29, 2026.
This action stems from his presence at an anti-ICE protest that took place at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, earlier this month.
Don Lemon now faces federal charges, including conspiracy to deprive rights and violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.
The Department of Justice alleges that Don Lemon and several others interfered with the congregation's right to worship during the January 18 demonstration.
The arrest occurred while Don Lemon was in Los Angeles to cover the upcoming Grammy Awards.
Just hours before federal agents took him into custody, he had attended a Recording Academy event.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the arrest, stating that the administration will take firm action against anyone who disrupts religious services.
While a magistrate judge previously declined to approve a warrant for Don Lemon, the government successfully obtained an indictment through a grand jury.
Don Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, issued a strong statement defending the journalist’s actions.
The lawyer argues that Don Lemon was simply performing his duties as a reporter by documenting a matter of significant public interest.
According to the defense, the arrest serves as a distraction from larger controversies involving federal immigration enforcement.
They maintain that Don Lemon has a First Amendment right to report on protests without fear of prosecution.
The protest in question involved about 40 individuals who sought to confront a church pastor who also serves as an ICE official.
Other independent journalists were also arrested in connection with the event. As Don Lemon remains in federal custody, his legal team prepares to fight the charges in court.
This case has quickly become a focal point for debates regarding press freedom and the boundaries of political activism in the United States.
