Don Lemon, a former CNN anchor, was arrested in Los Angeles amid coverage of the Grammy Awards, linked to his involvement in an anti-ICE protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, which disrupted a worship service on January 18, 2026.
Charged with criminal conspiracy and federal civil rights violations, Lemon faces accusations of actively participating in the protest rather than merely reporting on it, as he allegedly blocked congregants from leaving the church.
The protest was part of escalating tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in Minnesota, fueled by a surge in ICE operations and community opposition against the agency's actions.
The arrest ignited intense political backlash, with Democrats advocating for Lemon's release and Republicans backing the charges, underscoring the divisive national dialogue on immigration and press freedom.
Lemon has defended his actions as journalistic expression, insisting he was fulfilling his role as a reporter during the protest, claiming his First Amendment rights were being infringed upon.
Legal battles continue as federal judges weigh the DOJ's attempts to prosecute Lemon, highlighting a broader struggle over civil liberties, the role of journalists, and the aggressive enforcement of immigration laws in the U.S.
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