U.S. Department of Justice indicts 30 new individuals in anti-ICE protest case at St. Paul church, including former CNN journalist Don Lemon.
Indictment Expands Anti-ICE Protest Case
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Friday that 30 new individuals have been indicted in connection with an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota. This comes after the indictment of nine others, including former CNN journalist Don Lemon.
Background of the Protest
On January 18, protesters entered Cities Church in St. Paul due to allegations that its pastor worked for ICE. The protest emerged during heightened tensions over immigration operations in Minneapolis, following incidents where two Americans were fatally shot by ICE officers.
Legal Developments and Indictment of Key Figures
A federal magistrate judge ruled against the Trump administration's attempt to arrest Don Lemon and other defendants under a rarely used statute that had not previously been applied in similar contexts. Despite this ruling, Lemon was eventually indicted alongside eight others for conspiracy against religious freedom rights at a place of worship.
Expansion and Execution of the Indictment
Orlando Sonza, formerly a Republican congressional candidate and now working with the Civil Rights Division under Harmeet Dhillon, signed the latest motion in the case. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Friday that 25 of the newly indicted individuals had already been arrested, with more to follow throughout the day.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
A church member has filed a lawsuit against the protesters, alleging that their actions unlawfully disrupted religious services as part of a coordinated political demonstration. This case highlights ongoing debates around free speech, civil rights, and the balance between public protests and protection of property rights.
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