DOJ targets protesters after church disruption in Minnesota
*The Department of Justice has launched an investigation after protesters disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Jan. 18, 2026. Activists interrupted worship at Cities Church, accusing a pastor of ties to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Chants like “ICE out” and “Hands up, Don’t shoot” rang through the sanctuary, sparking outrage from church leaders.
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon announced that federal charges are being considered. She cited violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which protects churches from interference. Dhillon said the actions amounted to “desecrating a house of worship and interfering with Christian worshippers.”
Don Lemon livestreams protest, draws legal heat
Don Lemon, former CNN anchor turned independent journalist, was on-site during the protest. He followed demonstrators into the church and livestreamed the event on YouTube. While Lemon claimed he was there as a journalist, critics accused him of participating in the disruption.
In a statement, Lemon said he was not part of the protest. He insisted his role was to document events and provide transparency. However, the DOJ has not ruled out possible legal scrutiny of his involvement under federal civil rights laws.
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Harmeet Dhillon puts Lemon “on notice” for church entry
Dhillon directly called out Don Lemon in a post on X, formerly Twitter. She warned that churches are protected spaces and not open forums for protest or journalism that interferes with worship. Her post triggered a wave of right-wing backlash toward Lemon.
“A house of worship is not a public forum for your protest! It is a space protected from exactly such acts by federal criminal and civil laws! Nor does the First Amendment protect your pseudo-journalism of disrupting a prayer service. You are on notice!”
Dhillon later appeared on shows like Benny Johnson’s to reiterate her stance. She confirmed the Civil Rights Division is reviewing the case under both the FACE Act and potentially the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871.
Protesters targeted pastor with ICE accusations
The chaos began when members of the Radical Justice Network entered the church during Sunday service. They accused the pastor—reportedly David Easterwood or linked to Jonathan Parnell—of being the acting ICE field director in St. Paul. Protesters aimed to call out immigration-related deaths and enforcement practices in Minnesota.
Church leaders condemned the action as “shameful” and “unacceptable.” The pastor emphasized that the congregation gathered to worship and should not have been targeted for political reasons. Many worshippers were reportedly shaken by the interruption.
Don Lemon responds to criticism and online threats
Lemon defended his coverage in emails and online posts. He said he was unfairly cast as the face of a protest he merely documented. His video showed him speaking with protesters and the pastor while trying to clarify the facts.
“It’s notable that I’ve been cast as the face of a protest I was covering as a journalist — especially since I wasn’t the only reporter there,” Lemon wrote.
Lemon also revealed that he’s received threats and slurs since the video went viral. He attributed much of the backlash to politically motivated attacks and bias in the media. He reiterated his support for First Amendment protections in his work.
Protest ties to ICE shooting of Renee Nicole Good
The demonstration was sparked by the recent shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a Minnesota woman killed by an ICE officer earlier this month. Her death has ignited protests across the state, with activists demanding accountability from immigration agencies.
Lemon pointed to that case as the real issue being overlooked. He criticized the media and federal officials for focusing on his role rather than addressing the deadly incident that triggered the movement.
“If this much time and energy is going to be spent manufacturing outrage, it would be far better used investigating the tragic death of Renee Nicole Good — the very issue that brought people into the streets in the first place,” Lemon wrote.
Why this Don Lemon protest story matters now
This incident highlights growing tensions between civil rights, religious freedoms, and immigration enforcement. The debate has drawn national attention and reignited questions about what qualifies as protected speech. Lemon’s presence added fuel to the controversy.
With the DOJ exploring serious federal charges and the media split over Lemon’s role, this story could reshape how journalists, protesters, and officials interact in sensitive spaces like churches. The implications may ripple far beyond Minnesota.
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