Don Lemon, the former CNN anchor, was arrested by federal authorities on Thursday night while he was in Los Angeles for the Grammy Awards, as confirmed by his attorney, Abbe Lowell. The details surrounding his arrest remain unclear; however, it follows his coverage of a protest in a Minnesota church last week, where tension surrounding immigration policies was high.
Lowell criticized the Justice Department’s decision to pursue charges against Lemon, labeling it an attack on the First Amendment. He emphasized that instead of investigating federal agents implicated in the deaths of two peaceful protesters, the focus has shifted to Lemon. “This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment… will not stand,” Lowell stated, asserting Lemon’s intention to contest the charges vigorously in court.
Lemon’s arrest adds to the ongoing federal government’s crackdown on immigration in Minneapolis, which has drawn significant attention in recent days, particularly after two U.S. citizens were shot and killed during related protests. The protests were ignited over allegations that the pastor of the church where the demonstration occurred has ties to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
In connection with the same event, three individuals who disrupted the church service were also taken into custody. This series of arrests reflects the escalating tensions surrounding immigration policies and enforcement actions in the region. As the situation develops, it underscores the critical discourse on civil rights and the role of journalism in highlighting systemic issues.