Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal authorities in Los Angeles following a Jan. 18 incident tied to an anti-ICE protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. During the service, demonstrators entered the church and alleged that one of its pastors also serves as the acting field director for the St. Paul ICE office.

According to Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, he was arrested while reporting on the Grammy Awards. She emphasized that his involvement in Minnesota was strictly professional and consistent with his decades-long career in journalism. Lowell said Lemon’s work is protected by the First Amendment, which exists to safeguard reporters who expose the truth and hold those in power accountable.

Lowell also sharply criticized the Justice Department’s focus on the case, arguing that resources are being directed at Lemon instead of investigations into federal agents connected to the deaths of two peaceful protesters in Minnesota. She described the arrest as a deliberate effort to divert attention from broader issues facing the administration.

Calling the case an “unprecedented attack on the First Amendment,” Lowell said Lemon intends to aggressively challenge the charges in court.

This story is ongoing, with more details expected.