Former CNN journalist Don Lemon has been arrested in connection with an incident in which anti-ICE protesters disrupted a service at a Minnesota church, multiple sources told ABC News.
The incident unfolded on Jan. 18, when protesters entered Cities Church in St. Paul. The protesters said one of the pastors is the acting field director of the St. Paul ICE field office.
Don Lemon attends the Apple TV+ premiere of “The Morning Show” Season 4 at The Museum of Modern Art, Sept. 9, 2025, in New York.
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, said Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents Thursday night while 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,” Lowell said. “The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.”
A group of protesters interrupt services at the Cities Church in St. Paul by chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” Jan. 18, 2026.
Speak Mpls via AP
A group of protesters interrupt services at the Cities Church in St. Paul by chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” Jan. 18, 2026.
Speak Mpls via AP
“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 case,” Lowell said, calling the arrest an “attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration.”
Lowell called Lemon’s arrest an “unprecedented attack on the First Amendment” and said the journalist “will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.