The former CNN anchor maintained that he was reporting as a journalist from inside a St. Paul church service.

Don Lemon arrested by federal agents over Minnesota church protest: ‘Unprecedented attack on the First Amendment’

The former CNN anchor maintained that he was reporting as a journalist from inside a St. Paul church service.

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January 30, 2026 8:54 a.m. ET

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Don Lemon arrested over Minnesota church protest report. Credit:

Cindy Ord/Getty

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested by federal agents Thursday night over allegations that he broke a federal law when he reported on a Immigration and Customs Enforcement protest from inside a St. Paul, Minn., church.

Lemon reported from inside the church during a Jan. 18 service, where an ICE officer served as a pastor, and protesters later interrupted by chanting "ICE out," per the *New York Times*.

President Donald Trump's administration then "sought to charge eight people over the episode, including Mr. Lemon, citing a law that protects people seeking to participate in a service in a house of worship," the outlet reported.

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon.

Rich Polk/Getty

In a statement from his lawyer, Abbe Lowell, Lemon said he intended to fight the charges brought against him.

"Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents last night in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy awards. 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 read.

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Lowell continued, “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."

The *Times* additionally reported that Lemon is set to appear Friday in a Los Angeles court.

Federal magistrate judge has blocked the Justice Department's attempt to charge journalist Don Lemon over his attendance at an anti-ICE protest that breached a church in Minnesota.

Don Lemon speaks at the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights 2025 Ripple of Hope Gala.

Kevin Mazur/Getty

On Jan. 22, a federal magistrate judge earlier blocked the Justice Department's attempt to charge Lemon over the incident.

"The Attorney General is enraged at the magistrate judge’s decision," a source later told CNN, with regard to Attorney General Pam Bondi.

** has reached out to representatives for Lemon for comment.**

*This is a developing story. EW will update with more information as it becomes available.*

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