Don Lemon Arrested! Taken Into Federal Custody, What You Must Know About the Shocking Minnesota Church Case Update 2026
Yes, Don Lemon was taken into federal custody by federal agents on the night of January 29, 2026. The former CNN anchor was arrested in Los Angeles while covering the Grammy Awards. His arrest is tied to a federal investigation into a January 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The situation is moving fast. Lemon’s high-profile attorney, Abbe Lowell, has called the move an “unprecedented attack on the First Amendment.” As of today, January 30, 2026, Lemon remains in custody awaiting a court appearance.
The Breakdown: Why Was Don Lemon Taken Into Custody?
The arrest centers on a protest that disrupted a worship service at Cities Church earlier this month. The demonstrators targeted the church because one of its pastors, David Easterwood, is also a high-ranking official for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The Official Charges
While the government struggled to get a warrant initially, a grand jury indictment was recently secured. According to sources familiar with the “don lemon charges,” he is facing:
- FACE Act Violations: The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act also protects houses of worship. It is a federal crime to use force or physical obstruction to interfere with a religious service.
- Conspiracy to Deprive Rights: Prosecutors allege Lemon was an “embedded” part of a “coordinated attack” to stop churchgoers from practicing their religion.
- The Government’s Stance: Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed she directed the arrests of Lemon and three others, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that the DOJ will not tolerate “attacks on places of worship.”
Who is Don Lemon?
For those asking “who is don lemon,” he is a veteran journalist who worked at CNN for 17 years. After he was fired from CNN in 2023, he transitioned to independent media. Lemon (sometimes misspelled as don lemmon) has been covering the “ice protest” movement in Minnesota, where tensions are high following the recent fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents.
The Other Arrests: Georgia Fort and More
Don Lemon wasn’t the only one targeted. Federal agents conducted a sweep early this morning, January 30, 2026.
- Georgia Fort: A three-time Emmy-winning independent journalist and georgia fort journalist known for her community reporting. Georgia fort arrested was a trending topic this morning after she livestreamed federal agents at her door at 6:00 a.m.
- Trahern Jeen Crews: Co-founder of Black Lives Matter-Minnesota.
- Jamael Lydell Lundy: A lobbyist for the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
Both Lemon and georgia fort reporter maintain they were at the church strictly as journalists, not participants.
Timeline of Events: How Did Don Lemon Get Arrested?
To understand why did don lemon get arrested, you have to look at the legal tug-of-war that happened this month:
- January 18, 2026: Protesters enter Cities Church chanting “ICE out.” Lemon and Fort film the event.
- January 19, 2026: Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon puts Lemon “on notice,” saying journalism is not a shield for a “criminal conspiracy.”
- January 22, 2026: A federal magistrate judge, Douglas Micko, refuses to sign an arrest warrant for Lemon, saying there was no evidence of criminal behavior.
- January 25, 2026: A higher court also refuses to force the judge to sign the warrants.
- January 29, 2026: Bypassing the judges who said “no,” the DOJ secures a grand jury indictment. Federal agents take Lemon into custody in LA at 12:30 a.m.
What You Should Know: Press Freedom Under Fire
The Legal Fight Over “Don Lemon Custody”
This case is a massive test for the First Amendment. Lemon’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, argues that the government is trying to “silence and punish a journalist for doing his job.” If the government successfully argues that filming a protest counts as “conspiracy,” it could change how all reporters cover civil unrest.
Why Was Don Lemon Fired?
Many readers are asking why was don lemon fired in the first place. His 2023 exit from CNN followed controversial on-air remarks about Nikki Haley and women’s “prime” ages. Since then, he has operated as don.lemon on social platforms, building a massive independent following that the DOJ is now scrutinizing.
What to Do Next
Follow the Court Appearance
Lemon is expected to appear in a Los Angeles federal court today, January 30, 2026. You can track the case status on official federal court portals.
Check for Updates on Georgia Fort
The georgia fort journalist case is being heard in Minneapolis. Advocacy groups like the Freedom of the Press Foundation are already issuing statements in support of both journalists.
Understand Your Rights
If you are ever in a situation involving a protest or police interaction, it is vital to understand arrest procedures and your right to film in public spaces.
FAQs: “Don Lemon Taken Into Custody”
Was Don Lemon arrested?
Yes. He was taken into federal custody in Los Angeles on January 29, 2026.
Why was Don Lemon taken into custody?
He is accused of violating the FACE Act and conspiring to interfere with religious services during an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church.
What did Don Lemon do?
Lemon says he was reporting on a protest. The DOJ alleges he was part of a coordinated effort to disrupt a church service.
Has Don Lemon been arrested before?
No, this is his first major federal arrest related to his journalistic work.
What was Don Lemon arrested for exactly?
The reported charges include conspiracy against rights and violation of the FACE Act.
Is Don Lemon still in custody?
As of the afternoon of January 30, 2026, he is still in custody awaiting his initial court hearing.
Why was Don Lemon fired from CNN?
He was terminated in April 2023 following a series of on-air comments that the network found unacceptable.
Last Updated: January 30, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information and is not intended as legal advice. Federal criminal charges are serious matters that require the attention of a licensed attorney.
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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