Journalist Don Lemon has pleaded not guilty to federal civil rights charges over his live coverage of an anti-ICE protest at a Minnesota church, igniting a fierce First Amendment debate.
WEBDESK – Act Global Media – January 31, 2026
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has pleaded not guilty to federal civil rights charges stemming from his live coverage of an anti-immigration enforcement protest that disrupted a church service in Minnesota, a case now drawing sharp First Amendment debate in the U.S.
Lemon, 58, was arrested in Los Angeles and later released from custody after a court appearance Friday. Prosecutors say he conspired with others to interfere with the rights of worshippers during a January 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, held amid demonstrations against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown and actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
A federal grand jury in Minnesota indicted Lemon and several others on charges including conspiracy and interference with First Amendment rights. In court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Robbins argued for a $100,000 bond, alleging Lemon “knowingly joined a mob that stormed into a church.” A judge released Lemon without requiring bail and granted permission for him to travel to France in June while the case proceeds.
Speaking after the hearing, Lemon struck a defiant tone. “I will not be silenced,” he told reporters. “I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now. There is no more important time than this for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable.”
Lemon’s attorneys dispute the government’s characterization. Defense lawyer Marilyn Bednarski said Lemon will fight the charges in Minnesota. Another attorney, Abbe Lowell, said Lemon was acting as a solo journalist with no affiliation to the group that entered the church. “Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work was no different than what he has always done,” Lowell said.
The arrests have triggered backlash from press freedom advocates and civil rights leaders. The Rev. Al Sharpton accused the administration of taking a “sledgehammer” to the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech and the press.
Trump administration officials have defended the prosecution. Attorney General Pam Bondi promoted the arrests on social media, saying, “Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, you have the right to worship freely and safely. If you violate that sacred right, we are coming after you.”
The case sets up a high-profile legal test over where journalism ends and criminal conduct begins during protests—one likely to reverberate well beyond Minnesota as courts weigh press freedoms against public order.
