The U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is considering charging Don Lemon and anti-ICE protesters under a Civil Rights-era law following their disruption of a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota.
• Don Lemon participated in a confrontation during a church service on January 18, 2026, where he and protesters aimed to disrupt congregants.
• Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Harmeet Dhillon, announced the DOJ's review of potential violations of the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871, which was created to protect civil rights.
• This law allows federal prosecution against those who conspire to deny others their constitutional rights.
• Dhillon argued that Lemon was not merely a journalist but part of a "criminal conspiracy" in the disruption at the church.
• The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE) may also apply if Lemon or the protesters are found to have intimidated or obstructed individuals at a religious location.
• Lemon defended his actions on a podcast, stating that the church group did not represent his beliefs and noted that being a "gay Black man" made him a target in this situation.
The DOJ’s potential charges reflect a heightened stance against the disruption of religious services. Lemon and the protesters may face significant legal repercussions, which would signal a strict enforcement of rights under federal law.
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