Reports Say Don Lemon Detained by Federal Agents in Los Angeles Following Minnesota Church Protest Coverage
Journalist Don Lemon has reportedly been taken into custody by federal agents in Los Angeles in connection with his coverage of a protest linked to immigration enforcement that took place earlier this month in Minnesota. Authorities have not yet released full official court documentation, but statements from government officials and Lemon’s legal team have drawn national attention.
According to reports, the investigation centers on a demonstration held on January 18 at Cities Church in Minneapolis. The protest, which involved approximately 30 to 40 participants, was reportedly organized to confront church pastor David Easterwood, who has been identified as an ICE official. Easterwood was not present when the protest occurred.
Alleged Federal Charges
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security stated that Lemon is facing potential charges related to conspiracy to deprive individuals of their rights and possible violations of the FACE Act, a federal law that protects access to religious services and First Amendment freedoms. Authorities claim the protest disrupted a church gathering and may have interfered with worshippers’ rights.
In a public statement, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said that federal agents carried out multiple arrests connected to the incident. She noted that the administration intends to take legal action against anyone accused of obstructing religious gatherings or interfering with individuals’ ability to worship freely.
Legal Response From Lemon’s Attorney
Don Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, strongly criticized the reported arrest, arguing that Lemon was acting in his professional capacity as a journalist. Lowell stated that Lemon was exercising his First Amendment rights by documenting the protest and providing coverage intended to inform the public.
Lowell also suggested that the legal action could divert attention from ongoing investigations into separate incidents involving federal immigration enforcement officers in Minneapolis. He emphasized that journalists should be protected when reporting on public demonstrations and matters of civic interest.
Questions Around the Legal Process
Reports indicate that federal prosecutors initially sought to bring charges against several individuals connected to the demonstration. However, earlier court proceedings reportedly approved warrants for only a limited number of people. Additional legal actions may have followed through a grand jury process, though full details have not been publicly confirmed.
Georgia Fort, an independent journalist based in Minnesota, was also reportedly detained in relation to her coverage of the same protest. Video footage circulating online appears to show federal agents at her residence during the arrest.
Ongoing Developments
At the time of the reported incident, Lemon was in Los Angeles covering events leading up to the Grammy Awards, including attendance at a Recording Academy function. Further official clarification regarding the scope of the investigation and any formal charges is still pending.
As the situation continues to develop, legal experts and media advocates are closely watching the case, particularly in relation to press freedom and the rights of journalists covering protests and public demonstrations.