Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton recently addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding former CNN anchor Don Lemon’s involvement in a disruptive anti-ICE protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 18, 2026.
According to Judicial Watch through their official X account, Fitton stated: “Don Lemon was part of the mob at the church. There’s no exception in the Constitution or federal law that lets journalists engage in criminal activity. No one is above the law.”
The incident stemmed from protesters entering the church during a worship service, allegedly to confront a pastor believed to hold a role with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The demonstration interrupted the service, leading to confrontations and claims of interference with religious freedom under federal statutes like the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and related civil rights laws.
Lemon, who was livestreaming the event, has maintained he was present solely as a journalist covering the protest, not as a participant.
He was arrested in late January 2026 on federal charges related to conspiracy and interfering with worshippers’ rights, though he was released without bond and has vowed to fight the accusations, emphasizing press freedom.
Fitton’s comments highlight a broader conservative critique, arguing that media figures should not receive special treatment if their actions cross into alleged criminality.
The case has sparked debates over First Amendment protections versus the sanctity of religious spaces, drawing comparisons to other high-profile incidents and raising questions about selective enforcement.
Author: Bashirjuma
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