Arrests Mark Major Victory for Law and Order
In a decisive victory for law and order, former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested late Thursday night by federal agents in Los Angeles, capping a tense standoff over his role in a brazen anti-ICE protest that invaded and disrupted a peaceful church service in St. Paul, Minnesota. The arrest, executed by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, underscores the Trump administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting religious freedoms and holding accountable those who seek to intimidate and obstruct worshippers.
AG Bondi Directs Swift Action
Attorney General Pam Bondi, who directed the operation, announced the arrests in a statement on X, confirming that Lemon and three others—Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy—were taken into custody “in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church.” Bondi’s bold leadership in pursuing these charges sends a clear message: No one, regardless of fame or media credentials, is above the law when it comes to violating the sanctity of religious spaces.
AAG Dhillon Leads Charge for Accountability
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon played a pivotal role in building the case, publicly vowing to pursue charges against the protesters “to the ends of the Earth” and emphasizing that journalism cannot serve as a shield for criminal conspiracy. Dhillon’s firm stance helped overcome initial judicial hurdles, including a magistrate judge’s earlier rejection of charges, through relentless DOJ advocacy. Her involvement highlights the administration’s dedication to defending civil rights—not just for protesters, but for everyday Americans exercising their faith without fear of harassment.
The Incident: A Reckless Invasion of Sacred Space
The incident unfolded on January 18, when Lemon, armed with a camera for his independent show, joined dozens of anti-immigration enforcement demonstrators as they stormed Cities Church during a Sunday service. The group targeted the church because one of its pastors serves as the acting field director for the local ICE office, chanting slogans like “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good” while interrupting the congregation’s worship. This reckless invasion not only violated federal laws, including the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act—which protects houses of worship from obstruction—but also conspired to deprive parishioners of their civil rights to freely practice their religion.
Lemon’s Claims Fall Flat Amid Evidence
Lemon, who has long been a vocal critic of President Trump, maintains he was merely reporting on the event, but evidence from his own livestream footage shows him actively entering the church alongside the protesters, fueling the disruption. Such claims ring hollow in the face of the law’s clear protections for sacred spaces, and the arrests rightly prioritize the victims—the innocent churchgoers whose right to worship was trampled. Dhillon rightly called out Lemon’s actions as “pseudo-journalism,” noting that he knew exactly what was going to happen and embedded himself in what amounted to a criminal act, declaring that “nobody should think in the United States that they’re going to be able to get away with this.”
Broader Crackdown Ensures Justice Prevails
This swift action by AG Bondi and AAG Dhillon comes amid broader efforts to crack down on unlawful protests that endanger public safety and infringe on fundamental freedoms. Lemon spent the night in jail and is expected to appear in court Friday, where he will face the consequences of his actions. As the case proceeds, it stands as a testament to the Justice Department’s resolve: Disruptive activism that crosses into criminal territory will not be tolerated, ensuring justice for all Americans.
