A federal magistrate judge in Minnesota made a significant ruling on Jan. 22, 2026, rejecting the Justice Department’s attempt to charge former CNN host Don Lemon for his role in disrupting a Sunday worship service at Cities Church in St. Paul.
On Thursday, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced arrests of two local activists, Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen, charged with conspiracy against rights over the same incident, while a source noted Bondi’s frustration with the judge’s decision on Lemon. This case centers on a protest by anti-ICE demonstrators, including Lemon, 59, who joined dozens in interrupting the Baptist church service, sparking legal and political contention.
Critics on the right contend that this incident reflects a broader pattern of leniency toward disruptive activism. The decision not to charge Lemon has intensified debates over accountability and the protection of constitutional rights.
The Sunday invasion of Cities Church targeted the congregation partly because one pastor reportedly serves as acting field director for ICE in Minnesota. Lemon was actively involved, even posting videos boasting of his role in activists’ “Operation Pull-Up.”
In those recordings, Lemon positioned himself as a spokesman for the demonstrators inside the church. He confronted lead pastor Jonathan Parnell in the sanctuary, asking for his thoughts on the disruption, the New York Post reported.
Lemon also claimed the pastor pushed him, though reports indicate this did not appear to happen. Meanwhile, he argued his actions were protected under constitutional freedoms of speech and assembly.
“Whenever anyone conspires to violate the protected civil rights of American citizens, the Klan Act can be used to bring a conspiracy charge,” Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon stated on Tuesday to podcaster Benny Johnson.
Dhillon’s reference to the 1871 law, which prohibits interference with civic rights like practicing religion, underscores the DOJ’s legal stance. Yet, isn’t it peculiar that a judge would dismiss charges against Lemon despite such clear precedent?
On Thursday, Bondi revealed that activists Armstrong and Allen, the latter a Black Lives Matter leader and Saint Paul Public Schools Board member, face charges of conspiracy against rights. A source noted Bondi was “enraged” by the judge’s ruling on Lemon and is heading to Minnesota herself.
Tensions over immigration enforcement in Minneapolis have escalated amid the Trump administration’s mass-deportation efforts, opposed by Democratic Gov. Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey. Protests intensified after the Jan. 7 fatal shooting of anti-deportation activist Renee Good, 37, during an incident with an ICE officer.
President Donald Trump, addressing the issue on Tuesday from the White House briefing room, displayed photos of convicted violent criminals apprehended in the Twin Cities crackdown. He urged prioritizing serious public safety threats in enforcement actions.
“Lighten up,” President Trump instructed his team regarding individuals technically in the country illegally but otherwise law-abiding while working on farms or in restaurants.
Trump’s guidance suggests a balanced approach to enforcement, focusing on genuine dangers over minor infractions. Shouldn’t this reasonable directive temper the overzealous protests disrupting community spaces like churches?
Reinforcing federal efforts, Vice President JD Vance traveled to Minnesota on Thursday to support law enforcement, including a DOJ initiative targeting fraud in social services involving Somali-American immigrants. This visit underscores the administration’s commitment to upholding law and order amid local opposition.
