Judge Blocks DOJ Move to Charge Don Lemon Over 2026 Anti-ICE Protest Coverage

The First Amendment just won a significant round in a Minnesota courtroom. A federal magistrate judge has blocked the Justice Department's attempt to charge journalist Don Lemon for his presence at a recent protest that breached a local church. This decision sets a high bar for the government’s efforts to criminalize reporting in high-tension political environments.

The Conflict Behind Don Lemon DOJ Charges 2026

The legal battle stems from an incident on January 18, 2026, when protesters rushed into Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. The group was protesting the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), alleging that one of the church’s pastors held a leadership role within the agency. Lemon, who has operated as an independent creator since being fired from CNN in 2023, was on the ground documenting the event.

In videos shared to YouTube, Lemon is seen repeatedly identifying himself as a journalist. "I'm just here photographing, I'm not part of the group," he stated while capturing the scene. Despite this, federal prosecutors under Attorney General Pam Bondi sought charges for trespassing and interfering with the religious rights of churchgoers.

Journalism vs. Activism in a Polarized America

The DOJ's aggressive stance follows a series of violent clashes in Minnesota. On January 7, an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Macklin Good, an unarmed woman, sparking nationwide outrage. President Donald Trump has vocally defended the agent on Truth Social, framing the incident as self-defense against the "Radical Left."

Lemon’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, argued that Lemon's actions were no different from the work he’s done for 30 years. The magistrate judge's ruling reportedly confirms that Lemon’s activities were constitutionally protected, despite the DOJ’s claims of property violations.