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January 20, 2026
January 20, 2026 – USA –
Former television journalist Don Lemon is at the centre of a federal investigation and possible prosecution for his role in covering and appearing at an anti-ICE protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 18, 2026, as authorities grapple with a surge in immigration enforcement and rising public unrest. Lemon’s presence and livestreaming of the event have sparked debate over journalism, protest rights, and the application of federal law.
The protest occurred at Cities Church, where demonstrators confronted worshippers and a pastor identified by participants as David Easterwood, who they asserted also serves as a local Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office director. The group — part of broader anti-ICE actions following the deadly shooting of Renée Good by an ICE agent earlier in January — interrupted Sunday worship with chants such as “ICE out” and “Justice for Renée Good.” Videos of the disruption were widely shared on social media and livestreamed by Lemon, who defended his actions as journalistic coverage of a story he described as part of First Amendment-protected speech and protest.
Federal authorities, however, have taken a markedly different view. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon and other Department of Justice (DOJ) officials have stated that the incident could amount to violations of federal statutes, including the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which also protects the right to worship without interference, and potentially other civil rights laws. Dhillon said the DOJ is examining whether protesters — including Lemon — interfered with religious worship and may seek charges under applicable federal laws. Attorney General Pam Bondi supported the investigation, asserting that any unlawful obstruction of worship services would be prosecuted.
The case has thrust Lemon into a heated national discussion, with some conservative commentators and political figures calling for his arrest and prosecution for “violating federal law” during the protest. Meanwhile, Lemon has doubled down on his account of events, asserting that he was reporting on the protest and highlighting the broader context of community anger at ICE’s conduct under Operation Metro Surge, a controversial federal immigration enforcement initiative in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area.
The legal scrutiny of Lemon’s actions illustrates the broader tensions unfolding in Minnesota as federal, state, and local officials contend with escalating protests, ICE enforcement measures, and competing interpretations of protected speech, religious freedom, and journalistic practice in a highly charged environment.
Reference –
https://deadline.com/2026/01/don-lemon-ice-protest-chuch-doj-threat-1236690198/
