Don Lemon Pleads Not Guilty in Minnesota Church Protest Case

Sun Feb 15 2026 03:05:13 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Former CNN host Don Lemon has entered a not guilty plea regarding charges related to a protest at a Minnesota church concerning federal immigration raids. The case highlights the tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and religious freedoms.

Don Lemon, 59, has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and interference charges stemming from a protest he participated in at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota. The protest focused on immigration enforcement and resulted in increased scrutiny of rights within religious spaces. Alongside eight co-defendants, Lemon has maintained that his actions were part of his role as a journalist.

Don Lemon pleads not guilty in Minnesota church protest case

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Getty — Lemon did not speak to reporters as he walked into court on Friday

Don Lemon, 59, has faced charges following a protest at the Cities Church in St. Paul on January 18, where demonstrators claimed a pastor was involved in immigration enforcement.

Lemon's actions are being scrutinized under charges of conspiracy and obstruction of First Amendment rights. He asserts he was merely performing journalistic duties.

In the tumultuous church protest, which he livestreamed, tensions flared as congregants and attendees clashed over immigration policies.

Lemon maintains that his role as a journalist was his motivation for attending the event, where chants implicated Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions.

His support from co-defendants and the public reflects broader concerns over journalism and the limits of religious freedoms amid political dissent.