Washington: Amid the ongoing controversy over immigration policy in America, the arrest of journalist and former CNN anchor Don Lemon has created a new political and legal controversy. Don Lemon was detained by federal agents while covering a protest inside a church in St. Paul, Minnesota. However, a day later he was released without any bond. Due to this demonstration, the ongoing prayer meeting in the church was disrupted. According to Don Lemon’s attorney Abbey Lowell, Lemon was arrested by federal agents on January 18 while he was covering the Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. At present it is not clear under which section Lemon has been charged, because many documents related to the case are still sealed. After his release, Lemon said he would continue reporting. He said that his fight will continue.

What was the whole matter?

The incident occurred in early January at Cities Church in Minnesota, where a group protested during a Sunday service. The protesters alleged that the head of the local field office of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is also the pastor of the same church. Anti-immigration activists protested inside the church regarding this issue.

Don Lemon and local freelance journalist Georgia Forte were covering the demonstration at the time. Authorities say a total of seven people have been charged with violating federal laws, including those who organized the demonstration. However, complete details of the allegations against the journalists have not yet been made public. The incident was strongly condemned by President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi and several other administration officials. He says that such disruption at any religious place is against the law and will not be tolerated. Many religious leaders also termed the demonstration inside the church as wrong.

post video on youtube

Lemon was fired from CNN in 2023. After leaving CNN, Lemon joined a growing number of journalists who have started their own work and regularly post videos on YouTube. He never hid his dislike for Trump. Yet during his online show from the church, he repeatedly said, ‘I am here not as an activist, but as a journalist.’

What do experts say?

According to Harris, ‘Covering an incident is not the same as participating in it. Journalists like Don Lemon are the eyes and ears of the public. If they are intimidated, it will have a direct impact on independent journalism.