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DOJ Probes St. Paul Church Disruption Linked to Anti-ICE Protest, Puts Don Lemon ‘On Notice’

The inquiry centers on whether the Jan. 18 service interruption violated federal protections for religious worship under the FACE Act.

Overview

  • Anti-ICE activists entered Cities Church during worship on Jan. 18, chanting and halting the service as Don Lemon livestreamed from inside, with video showing a frightened child.
  • Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said the Civil Rights Division is investigating potential FACE Act violations and indicated the Ku Klux Klan Act is under review.
  • Dhillon told Lemon he is “on notice,” arguing journalistic claims may not shield participation, while Lemon maintains he was documenting events and had no role in planning.
  • Protesters targeted Pastor David Easterwood, alleged to be ICE’s acting St. Paul field-office director, a match that ICE has not confirmed.
  • Organizers identified by activists and media include Nekima Levy Armstrong and St. Paul school board member Chauntyll Allen, as figures from Nicki Minaj to President Trump amplified calls for punishment.