Former CNN Anchor’s Arrest being Tied to Anti-ICE Church Protest

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon’s arrest by federal agents is the focus of a discussion led by Civic Media Mid Mornings Host Greg Bach. He cites statements from Lemon’s attorney and federal officials who tie it to an anti-ICE church protest two weeks ago.

Bach explains that Lemon was arrested while in Los Angeles to cover this weekend’s Grammy Awards. Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, confirmed he was taken into custody by federal agents, including the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, an agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. You can read Lowell’s statement here.

Authorities tied Lemon’s arrest to a church protest in Minnesota. Bach referenced a statement posted on social media by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who claims Lemon was arrested “in connection with the coordinated attack on City’s Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.”

Bach says video now circulating online shows Lemon speaking with individuals outside the church during the protest, and later footage appears to show Lemon inside the church recording the events happening there. Bach emphasizes the available video does not clearly show Lemon engaging in violent or disruptive behavior, and he questioned whether Lemon’s actions constituted participation in the protest or journalistic newsgathering.

Bach noted that Lemon is a veteran journalist with more than 30 years of experience and also raised concerns about potential First Amendment implications. And in particular freedom of the press and the right to gather news in public settings.

Show producer Calvin, responding during the discussion and saying he believes the incident was being characterized inaccurately, stating that while protesting inside a church is inappropriate, the activity shown does not appear to rise to the level of an “attack.”

Federal authorities have not commented on how long Lemon may remain in custody. No allegations of violence by Lemon have been publicly substantiated.

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Listen to the complete discussion here:

[podcast src="https://civicmedia.us/shows/civic-media-mid-mornings/2026/01/30/strength-in-numbers-hour-1"]