Don Lemon Challenges Pam Bondi After Legal Victory in Minnesota Protest Case
Independent broadcaster Don Lemon has issued a defiant challenge to Attorney General Pam Bondi following a judge's decision to dismiss prosecutors' efforts to charge him in connection with an anti-immigration enforcement protest in Minnesota. Lemon, who left CNN in 2023, boldly stated on social media: "Go ahead, make me into the new Jimmy Kimmel, if you want."
Church Protest and Legal Proceedings
The controversy stems from a demonstration on Sunday at the Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official serves as a pastor. Protesters entered the church during a service, chanting "ICE out" and accusing the pastor of collaborating with the agency.
Lemon was present at the protest, interviewing one of the participants via livestream before following the group inside. Despite the judge's ruling dismissing the charges against him on Thursday, Lemon told his Instagram followers: "This is not a victory lap for me, because it's not over. They're gonna try again." He added, "Guess what, here I am. Keep trying, that's not gonna stop me from being a journalist. You're not gonna diminish my voice."
Legal and Political Reactions
Lemon's attorney, Abbe Lowell, emphasised in a statement that the judge's action confirms the First Amendment protected Lemon's work as a reporter. Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi responded on social media, announcing the arrest of three people in connection with the church protest and stating: "Listen loud and clear: WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP."
The protest is part of broader anti-ICE demonstrations in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old mother Renee Good by an ICE agent on January 7. President Donald Trump and his administration have defended the agent, Jonathan Ross, claiming his life was in danger, while some Democratic lawmakers have labelled the killing as "murder" and called for prosecution.
Activist Defence and Broader Context
Local activist and lawyer Levy Armstrong, who previously led Minneapolis's NAACP chapter, defended the demonstration before her arrest. She told the Associated Press: "You cannot lead a congregation while directing an agency whose actions have cost lives and inflicted fear in our communities. When officials protect armed agents, repeatedly refuse meaningful investigation into killings like Renée Good's, and signal they may pursue peaceful protesters and journalists, that is not justice — it is intimidation."
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, while echoing criticisms of ICE tactics, called on activists to remain peaceful and clarified that he "in no way supports interrupting a place of worship." The reference to Jimmy Kimmel relates to the comedian's show being suspended last year after a joke about President Trump, though it was later reinstated following public support.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement, press freedoms, and the intersection of politics and protest in the United States, with Lemon positioning himself as a vocal figure in the debate.
