Don Lemon arrested in connection with coverage of anti-ICE church protest after Trump branded him a 'loser'
Don Lemon has been taken into custody after reporting on an anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis.
On January 18, Lemon entered the Cities Church in St Paul with a group of protesters as part of his YouTube current affairs program, The Don Lemon Show.
The former CNN journalist interviewed pastor Jonathan Parnell as anti-ICE demonstrators stormed the building.
The protesters entered the church to voice their disagreement against David Easterwood, a church leader they allegedly identified as the Acting Field Office Director for ICE in St Paul.
Advert
The video whipped up some backlash, but Lemon responded that he had ‘no affiliations’ with the protestors and called his behavior an act of journalism
Of course, Donald Trump didn't seem to agree, previously telling reporters at the White House he thought Lemon was 'lightweight, a loser,' as per Forbes.
“I saw him the way he walked in that church, it was terrible,” he added. “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 a fortnight later, while in Los Angeles to cover the Grammys, Lemon was 'taken into custody by federal agent,' his attorney Abbe Lowell said in a statement shared earlier today (Friday January 30), via CNN.
“Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done," he added.
"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 continued: “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, and that 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 reported that Lemon is due to make a court appearance today.
It is not immediately clear what grounds he has been arrested on.
News of his detention has sparked shock from former colleagues, including ex-CNN reporter Jim Acosta, who wrote on social media: "This is outrageous and cannot stand.
"The First Amendment is under attack in America!”
Much like Trump, Presidential ally Nicki Minaj also previously hit out at Lemon, writing, in part: "I WANT THAT THUG IN JAIL!!!" and "LOCK HIM UP!"
It comes as eight people have been killed in dealings with ICE so far in 2026, as Trump intensifies deportation efforts.
Two people - mom Nicole Renee Good and ICU nurse Alex Pretti - were killed in separate incidents in Minneapolis this January.
Their shootings have sparked further backlash and protests against strengthened immigration crackdowns under Trump.
Topics: Donald Trump, US News, Nicki Minaj, News, Court, Social Media, Twitter
Ellie Kemp