Don Lemon has been detained following his coverage of an anti-ICE demonstration in Minneapolis.
On January 18, Lemon joined a group of protesters entering Cities Church in St Paul as part of his YouTube current affairs show, The Don Lemon Show.
The former CNN reporter conducted an interview with pastor Jonathan Parnell as anti-ICE activists made their way into the church.
The demonstrators targeted the church to protest against David Easterwood, a church leader they claim is the Acting Field Office Director for ICE in St Paul.
Despite facing criticism for the video, Lemon clarified that he had ‘no affiliations’ with the demonstrators, describing his actions as journalistic.
However, Donald Trump had a different perspective, previously remarking at the White House that he considered Lemon a ‘lightweight, a loser,’ according to Forbes.
Trump added, “I saw him the way he walked in that church, it was terrible. I have such respect for that pastor. He was so calm, he was so nice. He was just accosted. What they did in that church was horrible.”
Less than two weeks later, during his visit to Los Angeles to cover the Grammys, Lemon was ‘taken into custody by federal agents,’ according to his lawyer Abbe Lowell in a statement released today (Friday, January 30), via CNN.
Lowell stated, “Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done.”
“The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.”
The statement further noted: “Instead of investigating the federal agents who killed two peaceful Minnesota protesters, the Trump Justice Department is devoting its time, attention, and resources to this arrest, which is the real indictment of wrongdoing in this case.
“This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration will not stand. Don will fight these charges vigorously and thoroughly in court.”
CNN has reported that Lemon is scheduled to appear in court today.
The specific reasons for his arrest have not yet been disclosed.
A friend of Don Lemon's tells me that he spent the night in jail. "We do expect Lemon to make an appearance in court today," @KaraScannell reports during our live coverage on @CNN
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) January 30, 2026
His detention has evoked shock among former colleagues, including ex-CNN journalist Jim Acosta, who expressed on social media: “This is outrageous and cannot stand.
“The First Amendment is under attack in America!”
In a similar vein to Trump, Nicki Minaj, an ally of the President, previously criticized Lemon, saying, “I WANT THAT THUG IN JAIL!!!” and “LOCK HIM UP!”
This incident occurs amidst the backdrop of eight individuals being killed in ICE-related events in 2026, as Trump heightens deportation efforts.
Among the deceased are mother Nicole Renee Good and ICU nurse Alex Pretti, who were shot in separate incidents in Minneapolis this January.
Their deaths have fueled additional protests against the increased immigration enforcement under Trump’s administration.