Don Lemon Arrested During Protest Disrupting Minnesota Church Service

Journalist Don Lemon was arrested on January 30, 2026, by federal agents in Los Angeles following his involvement in an anti-immigration protest that disrupted a church service in Minnesota. The protest took place on January 18 at the Cities Church in St. Paul and has heightened tensions between local residents and the Trump administration. Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, confirmed the arrest, but details about the specific charges remain unclear.

According to reports, the protest involved demonstrators chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” referring to a local mother fatally shot by an officer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The church’s pastor, David Easterwood, is associated with ICE, which has further complicated the situation. Following the protest, the Justice Department initiated a civil rights investigation concerning the disruption of the service.

Background and Previous Attempts to Charge Lemon

Prior to his arrest, Lemon was covering the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. His attorney stated that Lemon does not have any affiliation with the protesting group and was present solely in his capacity as a journalist. “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.”

The journalist was previously targeted by prosecutors, who made an unsuccessful attempt to charge him shortly before his arrest. On his online show, he expressed defiance against potential legal repercussions, stating, “That’s not going to stop me from being a journalist.”

Legal Context and Broader Implications

The case has drawn attention not only because of Lemon’s public profile but also due to broader concerns regarding civil rights and the actions of federal agencies. Prominent civil rights attorney Abbe Lowell criticized the Justice Department for prioritizing Lemon’s arrest over investigating the actions of federal officers involved in the shooting of peaceful protesters. “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,” he stated.

The church, part of the Southern Baptist Convention, has become a focal point for discussions surrounding immigration policy and federal enforcement actions in local communities. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the government’s stance on protecting places of worship, stating on social media, “WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP.”

As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications for Lemon and the ongoing discourse about media freedom and civil rights remain significant. The outcome of this case could set precedents regarding the treatment of journalists covering protests and the intersection of immigration policy with local governance.