Former CNN anchor and independent journalist Don Lemon was taken into federal custody in connection with a protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, earlier this month, U.S. authorities confirmed Friday. The arrest comes as part of an ongoing investigation into a demonstration that targeted a local church where a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official serves as a pastor.

Federal law enforcement officials, including agents with Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI, executed an arrest warrant for Lemon in Los Angeles, where he was attending the Grammy Awards. The Justice Department said the action was taken “in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church.”

The protest on January 18 involved individuals who entered the church during a service and chanted anti-immigration enforcement slogans. Department of Justice prosecutors allege that actions by some participants crossed legal boundaries and disrupted the congregation’s right to worship without interference.

Lemon’s attorney has stated that he was present in the church while reporting on the event and that his work was conducted in his capacity as a journalist. According to his legal team, Lemon’s reporting is protected by the First Amendment, and they have pledged to contest the charges vigorously in court.

Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a statement saying she directed the arrests, underscoring the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting Americans’ rights to worship without disruption. Federal officials have emphasized that enforcement of federal statutes — including those safeguarding access to houses of worship — will be pursued where officials believe violations have occurred.

The situation has drawn attention from civil liberties advocates and press freedom organizations, who argue that journalists have broad protections when covering protests and public events. The government, however, maintains that the focus of the investigation remains on alleged unlawful interference with worship services rather than on news coverage generally.

Lemon is expected to appear before a federal magistrate in the coming days, and the case remains active as authorities work to determine whether additional charges are appropriate.