Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested while covering immigration protests in Minneapolis, following orders from Attorney General Pam Bondi, his lawyer has confirmed.

The arrest of the high-profile journalist has sparked immediate controversy and raised serious questions about press freedom and the targeting of media figures under the Trump administration.

Lemon, who left CNN and has continued working as a journalist, was reportedly detained while performing his professional duties covering demonstrations related to immigration policy in Minneapolis.

His legal representative confirmed that the arrest was carried out at the direct instruction of Attorney General Bondi, suggesting the action was not a routine law enforcement matter but a politically motivated decision from the highest levels of the Justice Department.

The targeting of a prominent former mainstream media anchor for arrest while covering protests represents an escalation in tensions between the Trump administration and the press.

Civil liberties advocates and press freedom organizations are likely to view the arrest as a troubling attack on First Amendment rights and the ability of journalists to report on matters of public interest without fear of reprisal.

Details regarding the specific charges against Lemon or the legal justification for his arrest have not been immediately disclosed, raising further concerns about the circumstances surrounding his detention.

Don Lemon has been a vocal critic of Donald Trump throughout his journalism career, which may add context to questions about whether his arrest was motivated by his reporting or his past criticism of the administration.

The incident is expected to generate significant national attention and debate about the state of press freedom in the United States under the current administration.

Legal experts will be closely watching how the case proceeds and whether charges are formally filed against the journalist.