ST. PAUL, Minn. — Former CNN host and independent journalist Don Lemon, along with four other defendants, is scheduled for arraignment in federal court in Minnesota. They face charges related to an incident on January 18, where they allegedly disrupted a church service at Cities Church, where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official was present.
Among those also appearing in court is civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong, known for her outspoken criticism of ICE's actions and their impact on local communities. The photo of Armstrong that was shared on social media, which depicted her in distress during her arrest, has been a focal point in discussions about the manipulation of images in the current political climate.
At the arraignment, Lemon's legal team is expected to enter his plea, although it is unclear whether he will attend in person. His lawyer, Joe Thompson, has not yet commented on the specifics of the case.
In total, nine individuals are charged in connection with the protest. Several have been vocal about their beliefs regarding the federal government’s immigration policies, which have faced increasing scrutiny amid growing tensions following the fatal shootings of two individuals by ICE agents in Minneapolis. Lemon asserts that he intended to cover the events as a journalist rather than participate in the protest.
The church service was interrupted by demonstrators calling for justice for Renee Good, a mother shot by an ICE officer. Lemon remarked that his commitment to journalism is unwavering, especially during times when the media’s role is crucial for transparency and accountability.
The incident has sparked a national conversation about civil rights in the context of immigration and the role of the media in documenting dissent. The 1994 Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which addresses such disruptions, also highlights the serious legal implications the defendants may face.
