Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested by federal agents Jan. 29 in Los Angeles, weeks after reporting on immigration enforcement protests in Minnesota, his attorney said in a statement.
“Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents last night in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy Awards,” the statement posted on Lemon’s Instagram said. “Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done.”
The statement did not specify the charges. The New York Times and CBS News reported the case stems from Lemon’s involvement in covering a protest inside Cities Church in St. Paul on Jan. 18.
Lemon was among several journalists who attended the protest, which lasted several hours and was streamed live on his YouTube channel. During the broadcast, Lemon interviewed protesters, congregation members and the church’s lead pastor.
“This is unacceptable,” Lead Pastor Jonathan Parnell told Lemon during the livestream. “It’s shameful to interrupt a public gathering of Christians in worship.”
Protester Nekima Levy Armstrong said the church was “harboring someone who is directing ICE agents to wreak havoc upon our community.”
The demonstrators alleged one of the church’s pastors worked with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security previously declined to comment.
Lowell criticized the Trump administration following Lemon’s arrest, referencing recent fatal shootings by federal agents in Minnesota.
“Instead of investigating the federal agents who killed two peaceful Minnesota protesters, the Trump Justice Department is devoting its time, attention and resources to this arrest,” Lowell said. “That is the real indictment of wrongdoing in this case.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the two agents involved in the shooting of Alex Pretti were placed on administrative leave.
Lemon, 59, worked as a CNN anchor from 2014 until his firing in April 2023. He later launched a media company and hosts “The Don Lemon Show” podcast.
