LOS ANGELES (AP) — Journalist Don Lemon faces federal charges related to an anti-immigration protest at a church in Minnesota. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced his arrest on Thursday in Los Angeles while he was covering the Grammy Awards. His attorney, Abbe Lowell, confirmed he was expected to appear in court the next day.
Lemon is accused of conspiracy and disrupting the First Amendment rights of worshippers during a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul on January 18. The church is notable as it has a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official as a pastor. Two other journalists and several protesters were also arrested in connection with the event.
Though Lemon was fired from CNN in 2023, he insists he was there solely as a journalist documenting the actions of the protesters. “Don has worked as a journalist for three decades. His efforts in Minneapolis were consistent with his role in holding those in power accountable,” said Lowell.
The arrests drew criticism from various quarters, including civil rights activists. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the arrests, stating they were part of a crackdown on protests against Trump’s immigration policies. The National Association of Black Journalists expressed outrage, calling the arrests a threat to press freedom masked as law enforcement.
After the protests, Lemon transitioned to independent journalism, often expressing his views about politics on platforms like YouTube. Even after facing legal challenges, he vowed to continue his work, stating, “That’s not going to stop me from being a journalist.”
According to a recent Pew Research study, many Americans believe press freedom is crucial for democracy. The study showed that 65% of respondents
believe journalists play an essential role in providing accurate information, aligning with Lemon’s commitment to reporting the truth.
Church leaders from Cities Church, part of the Southern Baptist Convention, expressed gratitude for the government’s actions, reinforcing the idea that worship should be safe and free from disruption. Lead pastor Jonathan Parnell stated that the church aims to follow its mission without fear.
These arrests have sparked a broader conversation about the rights of journalists, especially those covering controversial topics. With the rise of protests across the nation, experts worry that actions like these may discourage journalism aimed at public accountability.
As protests and media scrutiny continue, it’s clear that the intersection of journalism and social justice remains a critical arena in today’s society.
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