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Don Lemon, the broadcaster and formerly of CNN, was apprehended by national authorities on Thursday, January 29. The 59-year-old has been a vocal figure at demonstrations opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement this month as tensions escalated following the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti. Since the announcement of Lemon’s detention emerged in the early hours of January 30, many are curious as to the reasons behind his detainment.
His legal representative, Abbe Lowell, verified his apprehension in a declaration released via Instagram. It stated, “Don Lemon was taken into custody by federal agents last night in Los Angeles, where he was reporting on the Grammy awards. Don has worked as a journalist for three decades, and his work in Minneapolis, which is safeguarded by the constitution, was consistent with his established practice. The First Amendment is designed to protect reporters who have the crucial task of illuminating the truth and demanding accountability from those in positions of power.”
Read on to discover all the details currently available concerning Lemon’s apprehension.
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When Was Don Lemon Taken into Custody?
According to his attorney, Lowell, Lemon was apprehended by national authorities on the evening of January 29 in L.A.
Why Was Don Lemon Arrested by Federal Agents?
Reportedly, Lemon was taken into custody by the feds regarding an event that took place earlier this month, where anti-ICE demonstrators disrupted a religious service in Minnesota.
“Instead of investigating the federal agents who killed two peaceful Minnesota protesters, the Trump Justice Department is dedicating its time, attention, and resources to this arrest, and that is the real indictment of wrongdoing in this case,” Lowell continued in his statement regarding his client’s apprehension. “This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and obvious attempt to divert attention from the numerous crises confronting this administration will not stand. Don will contest these allegations forcefully and exhaustively in court.”
At my direction, early this morning federal agents arrested Don Lemon, Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
More details soon.
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) January 30, 2026
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced via Twitter on January 30 that Lemon, as well as various other individuals, was apprehended “at [her] command” in “connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.”
Is Don Lemon in Jail?
As of the time of this article’s publishing, it seems Lemon is still detained by federal agents, although his exact whereabouts have not been revealed.
Story is developing …