Former CNN anchor Don Lemon faces federal charges for livestreaming a church protest, raising explosive questions about where journalism ends and conspiracy begins.
Story Snapshot
- Don Lemon pleads not guilty to FACE Act violations for covering anti-ICE disruption at St. Paul church on January 18, 2026.
- Protesters targeted pastor David Easterwood, accused of leading ICE operations amid Trump’s immigration surge.
- DOJ applies 1994 law typically used for clinic protections to journalists and activists, sparking First Amendment debates.
- All five defendants, including activist Nekima Levy Armstrong, reject charges in court on February 13, 2026.
- Supporters rally outside, chanting for free speech as case heads to trial.
Protest Disrupts Worship Service
Protesters stormed Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 18, 2026, during a service led by Jonathan Parnell. They shouted “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” targeting senior pastor David Easterwood as acting ICE field office director. Organizers alerted Don Lemon beforehand. Lemon arrived and livestreamed interviews with activists, churchgoers, and Parnell, who demanded they leave. The disruption halted worship amid Trump’s Operation Metro Surge deploying agents in Democratic cities.
Federal Charges Under FACE Act
Federal prosecutors charged Lemon and others with conspiring to deprive civil rights and violating the FACE Act. Enacted in 1994, this law bans force, threats, or obstruction interfering with religious exercise or reproductive services. First-time offenders risk up to one year in prison. Critics question applying it to Lemon’s reporting, not direct action. The DOJ views the protest as a coordinated threat to worship, not protected speech.
Arrests and Arraignments Unfold
Federal agents arrested Lemon in late January 2026 during the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, pulling him from coverage in a midnight raid. He posted bond and appeared February 13 in U.S. District Court, St. Paul, before Magistrate Judge Douglas Micko. Lemon, Nekima Levy Armstrong, Will Kelly, Chauntytyll Allen, and Jerome Richardson all pleaded not guilty. Nine total defendants face conspiracy and FACE counts. Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz overturned an initial warrant denial.
Stakeholders Clash on Motives
Attorney General Pam Bondi vowed prosecution on January 30 via social media, defending worship rights. President Trump praised the charges, labeling the disruption horrible. Assistant AG Harmeet Dhillon called it anti-Christian intimidation. Defendants like Levy Armstrong decry political persecution to silence ICE opposition. Cities Church and True North Legal insist protesters planned an invasion, not journalism. Lemon vows to fight, claiming pure reporting.
Don Lemon Pleads Not Guilty After Calling Minnesota Church Protest a ‘Clandestine Mission’https://t.co/8ewQc21bIn
— RedState (@RedState) February 14, 2026
Implications Test Legal Boundaries
Lemon’s high profile as a Trump critic amplifies tensions. Conservatives argue he participated beyond observation, aligning with common sense that pre-notification suggests coordination. The unusual FACE expansion to media coverage could chill protest journalism long-term. Short-term arrests intimidate activists in Twin Cities. Media groups warn of First Amendment erosion. Ex-prosecutor Joe Thompson, Lemon’s attorney, challenges DOJ weaponization. Trial looms, balancing religious freedom against press rights.
Sources:
Don Lemon pleads not guilty to charges related to ICE protest at Minnesota church.
Journalist Don Lemon pleads not guilty in Minnesota ICE protest case.
Don Lemon, Nekima Levy Armstrong plead not guilty in church protest.
