LOS ANGELES, California: Journalist Don Lemon was released from custody on January 30 after being arrested and charged with violating federal civil rights over his coverage of an anti-immigration enforcement protest in Minnesota.

Lemon was arrested overnight in Los Angeles. At the same time, another independent journalist and two protesters were arrested in Minnesota. After appearing in court in California, Lemon spoke confidently to reporters, saying he would not be silenced.

Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted the arrests on social media. In an online video, she said that under President Donald Trump and his administration, people have the right to worship freely and safely. She warned that anyone who violates that right would face government action.

Lemon said he has spent his entire career as a journalist and has no plans to stop. He said this moment makes independent journalism more critical than ever, so the public can know the truth and those in power can be held accountable.

Press freedom groups and civil rights activists strongly criticized the arrests. Reverend Al Sharpton said the Trump administration was using heavy-handed tactics that damage the First Amendment.

In Minnesota, a grand jury charged Lemon and others with conspiracy and interfering with the religious rights of worshippers. The charges relate to a protest on January 18 at the Cities Church in St. Paul, where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official serves as a pastor.

During the court hearing in Los Angeles, federal prosecutors asked for Lemon to be released on a US$100,000 bond. They claimed he was knowingly part of a crowd that entered the church. The judge released Lemon without requiring him to pay bail and allowed him to travel to France in June while the case continues.

Lemon's lawyer said he will plead not guilty and contest the charges in Minnesota. His legal team said he was acting as an independent journalist and was not connected to the group that entered the church.

Lemon, who was dismissed from CNN in 2023 after a troubled period as a morning show host, has said he was reporting alone at the protest. His lawyer said the Constitution protected his work in Minneapolis and was no different from his reporting over the past 30 years.

Since leaving CNN, Lemon has worked independently, regularly posting videos on YouTube. He has also been openly critical of President Trump.

The indictment names nine people, including Lemon. It says two of them shared their plans on social media the day before the protest and gave instructions to the others at a shopping center parking lot the next morning.