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St. Paul, Minnesota – Former CNN anchor Don Lemon pleaded not guilty to federal civil rights charges on Friday, February 13, 2026, stemming from his arrest during a protest at a Minnesota church. The charges relate to his coverage of a demonstration connected to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official who is a pastor at the church. Lemon, now an independent journalist, maintains his innocence and alleges the charges are politically motivated, a sentiment echoed by supporters outside the courthouse.

The case has drawn attention not only for Lemon’s high profile but also for the accusations leveled against the Trump administration. Lemon, accompanied by his attorney Joe Thompson, declined to comment to reporters upon entering the courthouse but later released a statement vowing to “fight these baseless charges.” He asserted that the events leading to his arrest and the subsequent legal action demonstrate a pattern of intimidation by the current administration, emphasizing the importance of the First Amendment and a free press.

Details of the Arrest and Charges

The indictment centers around Lemon’s actions while covering a protest at a church in Minnesota. The protest specifically targeted Pam Bondi, a former Florida Attorney General, who is an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official and attends the church. Four other individuals also pleaded not guilty alongside Lemon during Friday’s arraignment, including civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong, a key organizer of the demonstration. Armstrong has called for the government to dismiss the charges entirely.

Lemon stated, “For more than 30 years, I have been a journalist – and the power and protection of the first amendment has been the underpinning of my operate. The events before my arrest, and what’s happened since, show that people are finally realizing what this administration is all about. For them, the process is the punishment. Like all of you here in Minnesota, I will not be intimidated, I will not back down, and I will fight these baseless charges.”

Support and Criticism

Roughly two dozen protesters gathered outside the US courthouse in St. Paul, chanting slogans such as “Pam Bondi has got to go” and “Protect the press.” Demonstrators carried signs proclaiming “Lemon was just doing his job” and “ICE out,” signaling broad support for the journalist and his right to report on matters of public interest.

Lemon has secured representation from a federal attorney who previously resigned from a position related to an inquiry into the killing of Renee Good, a detail that has further fueled criticism of the administration’s handling of sensitive cases. This hiring underscores Lemon’s commitment to a robust defense against the charges.

Broader Implications for Press Freedom

The case is being closely watched by press freedom advocates who fear it could set a dangerous precedent for the treatment of journalists covering protests and sensitive government activities. The charges against Lemon raise questions about the balance between law enforcement’s authority and the constitutional rights of the press. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between the media and the government, particularly under the current administration.

Civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong, also facing charges, has been vocal in her condemnation of the government’s actions, arguing that the charges are an attempt to silence dissent and intimidate those who challenge ICE policies. She believes the government’s pursuit of these charges is a direct attack on the right to protest and freedom of the press.

The legal proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with further hearings scheduled to determine the next steps in the case. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of journalism and the protection of First Amendment rights in the United States.

As the case progresses, the focus will likely shift to the evidence presented by both sides and the arguments made regarding Lemon’s intent and the circumstances surrounding his arrest. The public and the media will be closely monitoring the developments, seeking clarity on the legal and political ramifications of this high-profile case.

What comes next will depend on the evidence presented and the court’s interpretation of the law. The case is likely to be a lengthy legal battle, with potential appeals regardless of the initial outcome. Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.