FORMER CNN ANCHOR DON LEMON ARRESTED DURING PROTEST AT CHURCH OPPOSING ICE . (PHOTO).

 Former CNN anchor Don Lemon arrested during protest at church opposing ICE 

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested in Los Angeles following his participation in an anti-ICE protest at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, during Sunday services last week.

According to Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, federal agents took him into custody while he was in the city covering the Grammy Awards. Lowell said Lemon, a journalist for 30 years, was exercising his First Amendment rights, emphasizing that “there is no more important time for people like Don to be doing this work.”

The protest began outside the church but continued inside after participants alleged that a church official also worked at a local ICE office. Lemon livestreamed the event, interviewing protestors, congregants, and a pastor. The protest has drawn criticism, as federal law prohibits obstructing worshippers’ religious practices, which would apply to a Sunday service.

In response, Lemon stated that he was covering the event in his role as a journalist. Lowell condemned the arrest as a misuse of federal resources, saying, “Instead of investigating the federal agents who killed two peaceful Minnesota protesters, the Trump Justice Department is devoting its time, attention, and resources to this arrest… This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment will not stand.” Lemon plans to contest the charges in court.