BUSTED: Feds Grab Don Lemon at Grammys

Red Busted stamp on white background — DON LEMON BUSTED

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested by federal agents Thursday night despite a federal judge previously finding no probable cause for his arrest.

Story Snapshot

Don Lemon was arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles over his participation in covering an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church on January 18
A federal judge previously declined to sign arrest warrants, finding no probable cause, yet prosecutors proceeded through the grand jury process
Lemon’s attorney characterizes the arrest as an “unprecedented attack on the First Amendment” and misplaced prosecutorial priorities
Independent journalist Georgia Fort was also arrested for reporting on the same church protest, suggesting a troubling pattern against media figures

Federal Judge Found No Probable Cause Before Arrest

Federal prosecutors initially attempted to charge Don Lemon in late January, but the chief federal judge in Minneapolis declined to sign arrest warrants after reviewing the evidence. The judge determined there was insufficient probable cause to justify Lemon’s arrest for his activities at St. Paul’s Cities Church on January 18. Federal prosecutors then requested that an appellate court compel the district judge to sign the warrants, but the appellate court also declined this request. Despite these judicial determinations questioning the legitimacy of the charges, the Justice Department empaneled a grand jury on January 29 and proceeded with the arrest just one day later.

UPDATED: Former CNN anchor Don Lemon arrested by federal agents over Minnesota church protest https://t.co/t00NDpBDfx

— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) January 30, 2026

Church Protest Targeted ICE Official Serving as Pastor

The January 18 incident occurred when anti-immigration enforcement protesters, including Lemon, entered St. Paul’s Cities Church after discovering one of its pastors held a position as an ICE official. The demonstrators disrupted the Sunday service, prompting the Justice Department to pursue civil rights charges alleging the defendants unlawfully interfered with churchgoers’ constitutionally protected freedom to practice religion. While the disruption of a church service raises legitimate concerns about religious freedom, the subsequent targeting of journalists covering the protest creates an entirely separate constitutional issue. Multiple people have been charged in connection with the protest, with Lemon among the most prominent figures arrested.

Attorney Calls Arrest Attack on Press Freedom

Abbe Lowell, Lemon’s attorney, issued a forceful statement condemning the arrest as a “transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration.” Lowell emphasized that Lemon was engaged in constitutionally protected journalism consistent with his 30-year career, and the arrest represents prosecutorial focus on the wrong parties. The attorney noted federal agents were involved in the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during this period, questioning why prosecutors prioritized charging journalists rather than investigating those deaths. Lowell’s defense strategy centers on First Amendment protections for journalists covering newsworthy events, arguing the government cannot criminalize journalism that holds those in power accountable.

Pattern Emerges with Second Journalist Arrested

Independent journalist Georgia Fort was also arrested for her reporting on the church protest, suggesting a coordinated effort to prosecute media figures covering immigration enforcement activities. This pattern raises concerns about whether journalists can safely cover federal law enforcement operations without facing criminal charges themselves. The arrest of two journalists for covering the same protest indicates this may not be isolated prosecutorial judgment but rather a broader strategy to chill media coverage of ICE-related demonstrations. For conservatives who value both law enforcement and constitutional protections, this situation presents a complex challenge: supporting legitimate prosecution of those who disrupted religious services while opposing government overreach that threatens press freedom and First Amendment rights.

Prosecutorial Priorities Raise Questions About Justice Department

The Justice Department’s decision to pursue charges after judicial rejection reveals troubling questions about prosecutorial discretion and government accountability. Either new evidence emerged between the initial judicial determination and grand jury action, or prosecutors simply persisted despite judicial skepticism about the merits of the case. The specific charges Lemon faces remain unclear as of the arrest, with his legal team preparing vigorous defense in federal court. This case will test whether courts recognize meaningful distinctions between protest participants who disrupted services and journalists covering newsworthy demonstrations, a distinction essential to preserving press freedom while maintaining public order and protecting religious liberty.