Vice President JD Vance backed the detention of freelance reporter Don Lemon on February 4, 2026. He referred to Lemon, a former CNN correspondent, as “the dumbest man on television,” saying Lemon violated federal law while covering an anti-ICE protest in Minnesota in January.
Vance spoke on “The Megyn Kelly Show” regarding Lemon’s arrest, which was a result of his live broadcast of demonstrators entering Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 18. The protest interrupted a church service as protesters believed the pastor was a federal immigration agent.
On the night of February 4, federal agents detained Lemon. He was charged under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, or the FACE Act, and conspiracy to deprive rights. The FACE Act, established in 1994, safeguards against individuals obstructing religious freedom. Lemon was released without bail.
Lemon has sought First Amendment protection for his actions, contending his arrest infringes on press freedom. However, Vance contested that Lemon violated the rights of those attending the church service.
“Don, no one’s objecting to you standing outside of a church and protesting,” Vance stated in the interview. “No one’s saying you can’t protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies. But you cannot go into a house of worship and prevent them from exercising their First Amendment right to the free exercise of religion.”
Vance further clarified the administration’s stance, explaining that Lemon had thrust a microphone in a minister’s face during the church service, which he said was a clear violation of the FACE Act.
There have been questions about whether Lemon, now an independent journalist, exceeded his journalistic duties in assisting the protesters. Video evidence showed Lemon distributing donuts and coffee to protesters prior to the church event. He was also spotted kissing Nakeema Armstrong, one of the three protest organizers who were arrested with him.
During the live broadcast, Lemon paused recording at one point to avoid revealing specific details about the protest plan. In the church, he told attendees he was “just photographing” as a journalist, but his actions before and during the demonstration have raised concerns about his involvement.
According to reports, the protesters prevented people from leaving the church during the disruption. The demonstration interrupted the religious service at St. Paul’s church, which was targeted based on unsubstantiated information about the church leadership’s involvement with immigration enforcement.
Vance reiterated that while protesting outside a church is legally permissible, disrupting worship inside the building is not. He stated that Lemon can protest outside but not within a church without facing legal repercussions.
In response to the charges, Lemon has framed the arrest as racially motivated. He defended his work and committed to continuing his reporting.
The case has ignited discussion about the line between journalism and activism. While reporters routinely cover protests and interact with demonstrators to gather information, issues arise when a journalist’s involvement appears to go beyond observation and documentation. Legal experts note that press credentials do not grant immunity from laws applicable to all citizens, particularly when actions extend beyond newsgathering.
The Minneapolis area has experienced increased tensions over immigration enforcement recently. The incident at Cities Church on January 18 reflects broader clashes between immigrant advocacy groups and federal authorities enforcing stricter policies.
During the Wednesday interview, Vance’s description of Lemon as “the dumbest man on television” was a personal attack on the journalist’s intellect in addition to his legal argument. The vice president’s derisive tone and laughter when discussing the arrest underlined the administration’s confrontational stance towards media figures seen as antagonistic.
Whether Lemon’s actions constitute criminal offenses or are protected journalistic activities will be determined by legal proceedings. Lemon’s attorneys have indicated they will mount a strong First Amendment defense, setting the stage for a potential legal battle over press freedom and newsgathering limits in protest situations.
The case has drawn attention from journalism organizations and civil liberties advocates concerned about the precedent of charging journalists covering protests. However, prosecutors seem confident in their case, with Vance stating the administration has evidence suggesting Lemon went beyond reporting to actively participating in actions that violated federal law.
The incident happened during a period of increased immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota. Anti-ICE protests have become more frequent as federal authorities have ramped up enforcement efforts.
