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Federal agents arrested former CNN anchor Don Lemon in Los Angeles Thursday evening, his attorney said, after the journalist attended a Recording Academy event. The move adds a high-profile name to a federal probe tied to a January protest at a St. Paul church over immigration enforcement.
What officials say about the charges
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told media outlets the charges include conspiracy to deprive rights and a violation of the FACE Act. The FACE Act prohibits obstructing someone’s exercise of First Amendment rights through force or threat.
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Authorities say the alleged conduct occurred during an anti-ICE demonstration at Cities Church in St. Paul on Jan. 18. Federal filings and spokespeople have linked the case to attempts to confront a pastor connected to the local ICE field office.
Where and how the arrest happened
Lemon was taken into custody in Los Angeles and was photographed handcuffed after leaving the Recording Academy Honors. He is currently in California covering this weekend’s Grammys, according to reports.
- Location of arrest: Los Angeles
- Event attended before arrest: Recording Academy Honors
- Federal agency involved: Department of Homeland Security
Background of the St. Paul protest and the investigation
The protest in St. Paul drew about 30 to 40 people who sought to confront Pastor David Easterwood. He is reported to be a director for St. Paul’s ICE field office.
Federal prosecutors said several people were targeted for charges connected to the incident. Initially, the Justice Department sought warrants for eight individuals tied to the protest.
Recent court developments
A magistrate judge approved charges and arrests for three people earlier in January. The government’s attempt to issue warrants for five others later met resistance at the appeals level.
- Three arrests approved and carried out as of Jan. 22
- Appeals court blocked the Justice Department’s push to execute the remaining five warrants
Legal defense and First Amendment claims
Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, vowed a vigorous defense in a public statement. Lowell framed Lemon’s presence at the protest as journalism and emphasized First Amendment protections.
Lowell called the arrest an unprecedented attack on press freedom and argued the DOJ is diverting attention from other matters he called more urgent.
Comments from officials and political figures
The arrest drew swift responses from conservative leaders. Former Attorney General Pam Bondi signaled continued federal pursuit of those who commit federal crimes when state officials won’t act.
Attorney Harmeet Dhillon posted that a house of worship is not an appropriate forum for disruptive protest and warned Lemon he was “on notice.”
Lemon’s public response and context
Speaking to outlets, Lemon said he was one of several journalists at the scene and that he had posted footage of the protest at the time. He rejected claims that his reporting crossed a legal line.
He also highlighted threats and abusive messages he received after the incident and urged authorities to focus on the deaths that sparked the demonstrations.
- He described his role as a reporter documenting events
- He referenced the death of Renee Nicole Good as a cause for public outcry
- He noted he was not the only journalist at the protest
Next legal steps and what to watch
Lowell says Lemon will contest the charges in court. Observers will watch whether prosecutors seek additional indictments or modify their case after the appeals court decision.
Key points to follow:
- Whether federal prosecutors obtain new warrants
- Any formal indictment or arraignment dates
- How courts interpret the role of journalists at public protests
