Former CNN Anchor Don Lemon Arrested by Federal Agents

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has reportedly been arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles after being spotted at a church protest in St. Paul, Minnesota earlier this month.

The New York Times reports he was charged with violating a federal law during the anti-ICE protest at Cities Church on Jan. 18 by impeding people’s right to worship. He was cuffed after he spent the night at the 2026 Recording Academy Honors in LA.

The journalist’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, released a statement condemning the arrest as a distraction tactic by the Trump administration and argued he was present at the demonstration as a reporter. Her argued, in part … “The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable. There is no more important time for people like Don to be doing this work.”

Lowell continued … “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, and that is the real indictment of wrongdoing in this case. This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration will not stand. Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.”

We told you all about it — the federal government sought to charge 8 people following the demonstration at Cities Church, including Lemon … but a magistrate judge only approved charges against only 3 people — not including Lemon. A federal appeals court also denied a petition by the Justice Department to issue the additional warrants.

The demonstration involved about 30 to 40 people and was meant to confront the Cities Church pastor David Easterwood, a Minneapolis ICE official. He was not present at the church when the protest erupted.