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CNN defends Don Lemon after arrest of ex-host over anti-ICE protest coverage

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The former CNN anchor reportedly said anti-ICE agitators were in St. CNN issued a statement defending former employee Don Lemon following his arrest for his viral protest that disrupted a church service at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“The FBI’s arrest of our former CNN colleague Don Lemon raises profoundly troubling questions about freedom of the press and the First Amendment,” the network said. a statement. “The Justice Department twice failed to obtain arrest warrants for Don and several other journalists in Minnesota, where the chief judge of the Minnesota Federal District Court ruled there was ‘no evidence’ of any criminal conduct in their work.”

Earlier this month, Lemon was arrested in St. Louis on suspicion that his pastor was colluding with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He livestreamed left-wing agitators attacking St. Paul’s Cities Church. Lemon told the audience that the primary purpose of the First Amendment is “freedom to protest,” but Justice Department officials are working to hold participants accountable.

“The First Amendment in the United States protects journalists who witness news and events, ensuring they can freely report in the public interest, and attempts by the Department of Justice to violate these rights are unacceptable,” CNN said. he said. “We will follow this case closely.”

Don Lemon was arrested in St. Louis on suspicion that his pastor was colluding with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He livestreamed leftist agitators attacking St. Paul’s Church of the Cities. (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

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Lemon was fired by CNN in 2023 and has since launched his own show via YouTube and Substack. The former CNN anchor, who worked at CNN for 17 years, was involved in numerous scandals at the channel before he was fired.

Many media members, including former colleagues, joined Lemon’s defense.

CNN’s Dana Bash questioned Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday about Lemon’s arrest. Bash asked Blanche if the arrest was about trying to make an example of Lemon, who has been a vocal critic of the president.

“The real question for you is, was this really about what you just described, or was it about trying to take an example from someone the president was debating?” Bash asked Blanche during “State of the Union.”

Don Lemon speaks outside the Los Angeles courthouse

Don Lemon speaks to the media after a hearing at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Courthouse in Los Angeles on January 30, 2026. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)

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“I don’t know if the president even thinks about Don Lemon,” Blanche said. “I don’t know if that’s true. But let me tell you, we don’t follow people as an example.”

Trump called Lemon a “scumbag” while speaking to reporters.

Lemon He thanked many CNN reporters and the network on its podcast on Friday.

“I heard CNN made a statement. Thank you very much. I don’t have an animist for CNN. I don’t have an animist for anyone, but I tell the truth about what I see and I think it’s time for all journalists to defend each other.”