why was don lemon taken into custody

Don Lemon was taken into federal custody in connection with an anti‑ICE protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 18, 2026.

What actually happened?

• Nearly two weeks after the protest, federal agents arrested Don Lemon in Los Angeles, where he was preparing to cover the Grammy Awards.

• The protest took place inside Cities Church in St. Paul, during a service, and was aimed at immigration enforcement and the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minnesota.

• Lemon was present and livestreamed/covered the protest from inside the church as part of his reporting.

The charges and legal basis

Authorities say Lemon’s arrest stems from alleged violations of civil‑rights and religious‑freedom protections.

Key points:

• A federal grand jury indicted him on charges including:
  • Conspiracy to deprive others of their civil rights.

* Violation of the FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act), applied here to allegedly using or conspiring to use force or threats to interfere with people’s First Amendment right to practice religion at the church service.

• The Justice Department has focused on a pre‑protest meeting that Lemon filmed, treating it as possible evidence of a conspiracy to interfere with worshippers’ rights, even though Lemon’s side says he was filming as part of his reporting.

In short: prosecutors argue he crossed the line from covering a protest to participating in an organized effort that infringed on churchgoers’ rights.

What Don Lemon and his lawyer say

Lemon and his attorney strongly reject the idea that he was leading or organizing an attack on the church.

Their main arguments:

• Lemon says he was there only as a journalist , documenting a newsworthy protest and interviewing people, including the pastor and church members.

• His lawyer, Abbe Lowell, calls the case an attack on the First Amendment and says Lemon’s actions are protected newsgathering, no different from what he has done across his 30‑year journalism career.

• They argue the government is targeting a reporter instead of investigating the agents involved in the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, calling that “the real indictment of wrongdoing.”

A quick narrative snapshot

Lemon attends a church where protesters confront a congregation over immigration enforcement and recent shootings.
He films and livestreams the scene, interviews people, and posts the story as journalism.
Weeks later, federal agents arrest him, arguing that by being there and documenting the planning and protest, he joined a conspiracy to violate worshippers’ rights.
Lemon maintains: “That’s called journalism.”

How forums and public discussion are reacting

Online discussions and forums are sharply divided.

Common views you’ll see:

• Some users say this shows a disturbing use of federal power against a journalist and fear it will chill press freedom.

• Others argue Lemon is getting what he deserves, citing long‑standing personal dislike of him or unrelated accusations, even though those are not part of the current charges.

• A few commenters emphasize the FACE Act angle and ask whether filming and streaming a protest that disrupts a religious service can make you part of the violation, even if you say you’re just reporting.

Because this is breaking news (late January 2026), legal outcomes, trial dates, or any dismissal/plea have not yet fully played out, and more details may emerge as court filings are unsealed and hearings are held.

SEO‑style quick facts (for “why was don lemon taken into custody”)

• Core reason: Alleged conspiracy and FACE Act violations tied to a protest that disrupted a Minnesota church service.

• Authorities’ framing: “Coordinated attack” on Cities Church, interfering with worshippers’ rights.

• Lemon’s framing: Constitutionally protected journalism, not participation in an attack or conspiracy.

• Trending angle: Press‑freedom vs. law‑enforcement power; many outlets highlight how unusual it is to see a high‑profile journalist indicted in this way.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.