Don Lemon linked to anti-ICE protesters before church disruption

Caught on camera in a snowy Twin Cities parking lot, Don Lemon’s own words have sparked a firestorm over his role in a disruptive anti-ICE protest at a St. Paul church.

Don Lemon, a well-known journalist, admitted to being embedded with anti-ICE activists in Minneapolis, stating he had done prior “reconnaissance” with the group before they stormed Cities Church during a Sunday service. Soon after, dozens of protesters barged into the morning prayer session, chanting “ICE out” and taking over the event. Lemon later claimed he had no advance knowledge of the church action, asserting he was only there to report on the protests as a journalist.

Tracing Lemon’s Involvement with Activists

Before the church incident, Lemon was filmed discussing his interactions with the group he called “resistance protesters.” He described their plans as a secretive “Operation Pull-Up,” hinting at a surprise tactic, according to the New York Post.

Lemon’s own statements raise eyebrows about his impartiality. He named activist Nekima Armstrong as a key figure, praising her history of holding people accountable through unexpected actions. How does a journalist justify such close ties to a group’s strategy?

“These are resistance protesters, they’re planning an operation we’re going to follow them on,” Lemon said on camera. “I can’t tell you exactly what they’re doing, but it’s called Operation Pull-Up.” His words suggest more than just passive observation.

Church Disruption Shocks Congregation

The protesters’ entry into Cities Church was sudden and disruptive, halting a peaceful morning service. Their chants of “ICE out” echoed through the sanctuary, leaving worshippers stunned. This wasn’t a public square—it was a private space of faith.

Lemon’s presence during this event only deepens the controversy. If he knew of a planned operation, as he admitted, why not alert authorities or distance himself? His role blurs the line between reporting and complicity.

Critics have taken notice, with Harmeet Dhillon, the Justice Department’s assistant attorney general for civil rights, issuing a stern warning. Dhillon put Lemon “on notice,” signaling potential legal or ethical repercussions. This isn’t just a media misstep; it’s a question of accountability.

Lemon’s Defense Falls Flat

After the backlash, Lemon tried to walk back his earlier remarks. He insisted he had “no affiliations with that organization” and didn’t know the church was the target until following the group. But his prior footage tells a different story.

“I didn’t even know they were going to this church until we followed them,” Lemon claimed. “We were there chronicling protests.” Yet, his earlier enthusiasm for “Operation Pull-Up” undercuts this defense, suggesting foreknowledge.

Immigration policy remains a deeply divisive issue, and protests targeting federal enforcement like ICE often stir strong emotions on both sides. While the activists’ frustration with current policies is evident, disrupting a church service crosses a boundary for many who value sacred spaces. Context matters—protest rights don’t extend to private sanctuaries.

Broader Implications for Journalism

Lemon’s actions also spotlight a growing concern about journalistic ethics in polarized times. When a reporter embeds with activists and admits to prior coordination, it risks eroding public trust in media as an unbiased observer. The fourth estate can’t afford such missteps.

Even Lemon’s odd commentary on seeing protesters with an American flag, which he called “MAGA-coded,” hints at a skewed lens. Why assume a national symbol belongs to one political faction? It’s a small but telling glimpse into a mindset that may prioritize narrative over neutrality.

The fallout from this incident should prompt reflection on where activism ends and journalism begins. Lemon’s insistence on merely “chronicling” events doesn’t align with his own admissions of reconnaissance and operation-following. This isn’t just a story—it’s a cautionary tale.