BREAKING: Former CNN Anchor Don Lemon Arrested in Connection with Anti-ICE Protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota – Facing Federal Charges Including Conspiracy Against Rights and FACE Act Violation

By ClickUSA News National Desk | January 30, 2026

In a major development amid escalating tensions over U.S. immigration enforcement, former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested late Thursday night by federal agents in Los Angeles, where he was covering the Grammy Awards. The arrest stems from his involvement in a January 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, during which anti-ICE demonstrators disrupted a church service.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the arrests on social media, stating that federal agents took Lemon into custody along with three others—independent journalist Georgia Fort, activist Trahern Jeen Crews, and Jamael Lydell Lundy—”in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.”

According to multiple reports from credible sources including NBC News, CBS News, The New York Times, and the Associated Press, Lemon faces federal charges of conspiracy to deprive others of rights (under 18 U.S.C. § 241) and violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act (18 U.S.C. § 248), which prohibits interference by force or intimidation with the exercise of religious freedoms or access to places of worship.

What Happened at Cities Church?

On January 18, 2026, a group of protesters entered Cities Church (a Southern Baptist congregation in St. Paul) mid-service, chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good” — referencing a U.S. citizen fatally shot earlier in January during an ICE encounter in Minneapolis. Demonstrators alleged that one of the church’s pastors serves as an acting field director for the St. Paul ICE office.

Lemon, now an independent journalist hosting “The Don Lemon Show,” livestreamed the event on YouTube. He described his presence as journalistic coverage of resistance to the Trump administration’s immigration policies in the region, which has seen heightened enforcement and related incidents, including the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by a federal agent.

Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, issued a statement defending his client: “Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done. Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.”

DOJ’s Pursuit and Legal Backdrop

The Justice Department initially sought arrest warrants for Lemon and others, but a federal magistrate judge rejected charges against him and several associates last week, citing insufficient evidence of criminal behavior. Prosecutors persisted, leading to the current arrests. The FACE Act, originally enacted to protect access to reproductive health services, includes provisions safeguarding houses of worship from interference.

Press freedom groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, have condemned the arrests, arguing they represent an overreach that could chill journalistic activity. Lemon’s team maintains he was reporting, not participating in any disruption.

Broader Context in Minnesota

This incident ties into ongoing fallout from aggressive ICE operations in the Twin Cities area, including protests, fatal encounters, and calls for “ICE Out” demonstrations. The arrests have sparked fresh outrage and planned rallies in Minneapolis and beyond.

ClickUSA News is monitoring developments closely, including any court filings, bond hearings, or statements from involved parties. As details emerge on exact charges and next steps, this story remains fluid.

Stay updated with ClickUSA News for the latest on national breaking stories, immigration policy impacts, and civil rights issues. Share your thoughts in the comments below—what does this mean for press freedom and immigration enforcement?