Federal agents took former CNN anchor Don Lemon into custody in Los Angeles on Thursday night, executing a warrant that has sent shockwaves through the media industry. The arrest took place while Lemon was visiting the city to report on the upcoming Grammy Awards festivities.
The charges against Lemon stem from his on-the-ground coverage of recent anti-ICE protests at the Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Federal prosecutors allege that his presence during the demonstration constituted a conspiracy to violate the civil rights of worshippers inside the sanctuary.
This legal action follows a volatile period in Minnesota, where demonstrations against immigration enforcement have drawn intense federal scrutiny and resulted in tragedy. The investigation intensified after two protesters were killed by agents in separate incidents following the initial church protest.
Lemon's attorney, Abbe Lowell, vigorously defended his client, characterizing the arrest as a direct targeting of constitutionally protected journalistic work. Lowell asserted that the administration is weaponizing the justice system to silence reporters who attempt to hold power accountable.
In a statement confirming the operation, Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated that the Department of Justice is enforcing the FACE Act, which protects access to religious places. The administration argues that Lemon’s livestreaming activity went beyond reporting and actively facilitated the disruption of a religious service.
The crackdown has extended beyond Lemon, with reports confirming that independent journalist Georgia Fort was also detained on similar grounds. These simultaneous arrests have fueled accusations that the federal government is coordinating a systematic campaign to intimidate the press.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass immediately criticized the federal operation conducted within her jurisdiction, issuing a strong statement of support for the press. Bass condemned the move as an "egregious assault" on the First Amendment and called for the immediate protection of journalists' rights.
The timing of the detention was particularly dramatic, occurring just hours after Lemon was seen mingling at a high-profile industry event. Witnesses spotted the journalist socializing with hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes at a pre-Grammy gathering shortly before federal agents intervened.
Legal scholars warn that this case could set a dangerous precedent for how journalists are treated when covering civil unrest and protests. As Lemon prepares to face these charges, the incident stands as a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over press freedom in the United States.