State criminal charges will not be pursued against dozens of anti-ICE protesters, including former CNN journalist Don Lemon, who interrupted a church service in Minnesota earlier this year. Church leaders criticized this decision, arguing it allows activists to disrupt religious services without consequence.
St. Paul City Attorney Irene Kao stated that her office will not move forward with charges. The decision followed a detailed review of video footage and investigative reports, concluding the evidence does not support prosecution under Minnesota law.
“Following a careful evaluation of the video footage, investigative reports, and other available materials, prosecutors determined that the current evidence is insufficient to meet that standard for criminal charges under Minnesota state statutes,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, federal prosecutors have charged 39 individuals, including Lemon and another journalist, with civil rights violations related to the incident. These federal cases are still ongoing.
The protests at Cities Church in St. Paul occurred on January 19, 2026. Activists claimed a pastor at the church was involved in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. The demonstrators shut down the service, alleging ICE’s involvement in a federal operation in Minnesota.
City prosecutor Kao’s decision not to file state charges was met with criticism from Cities Church leaders. They argued that this sets a precedent that allows disruptions in places of worship under the guise of protests. Lead pastor Jonathan Parnell expressed his concerns:
“According to the St. Paul City Attorney’s logic, it is perfectly fine for agitators to invade a mosque, a cathedral, or a temple, intimidate the families and children inside, and shut down their religious gathering. Just call it a ‘protest,’” Parnell said.
The protest highlighted a pastor’s dual role as an ICE official, linking it to a major enforcement operation in the area. Protesters chanted for justice related to the shooting of a 37-year-old individual by federal agents.
City Attorney Kao emphasized that not filing state charges should not be seen as approval of unlawful behavior. She stated:
“The right to peacefully protest is protected, as is the right to exercise one’s religious beliefs. Balancing these equally important rights is paramount to our decision today.”
The incident did not involve acts of violence or threats to public safety, according to Kao. However, attorneys representing Cities Church argued that the absence of visible vandalism does not imply laws weren’t broken.