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The Desecration in St. Paul: Conservative and Catholic Responses to Don Lemon's Involvement in the Anti-ICE Church Protest

Image from inside Cities Church in St. Paul, MN during the protest. Above image of Don Lemon
Image from inside Cities Church in St. Paul, MN during the protest. Above image of Don Lemon

In a shocking display of disregard for sacred spaces, anti-ICE protesters stormed a Sunday worship service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 18, 2026, accusing the pastor of collaborating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The incident, which terrified children and disrupted the congregation's prayer, has ignited fierce backlash from conservative commentators and Christian leaders alike. Former CNN host Don Lemon, who was present and documented the event, defended the action as "protected speech," drawing sharp rebukes from the Trump administration's Department of Justice (DOJ) and faith-based organizations. As a conservative Catholic, I see this not merely as a political stunt but as an assault on the sanctity of worship—a violation that demands a robust response rooted in faith, law, and order.

The event unfolded amid ongoing unrest in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, where protests against ICE operations have escalated following a fatal shooting during an enforcement action earlier in January. Protesters, including Lemon, burst into the church, shouting accusations and halting the service. Video footage shared by Lemon himself captured the chaos, with congregants—including families with young children—visibly distressed. Lemon, now an independent journalist after his CNN tenure, rejected calls for prosecution, framing the interruption as a legitimate exercise of free speech in a post on social media. However, this defense has only fueled the fire, with critics arguing it crosses into harassment and desecration.

Conservative Backlash: A Call for Law and Order

Conservatives have been quick to condemn the protest as an egregious overreach, emblematic of left-wing activism's contempt for traditional institutions. Fox News highlighted Christian leaders demanding justice, labeling the act "unspeakably evil" and a direct attack on religious freedom. Prominent voices like Newsmax host Todd Starnes amplified the story, noting that Lemon's involvement puts him "on notice" from the DOJ. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, a key figure in the Trump administration's civil rights division, blasted Lemon personally, vowing charges against those who interrupted the service and warning that such actions undermine civil discourse.

From a conservative perspective, this incident exemplifies the broader chaos stemming from progressive immigration policies. ICE, tasked with enforcing federal laws, has been vilified in the wake of operations targeting undocumented immigrants in sanctuary cities like Minneapolis. The Trump administration has ramped up these efforts, deploying additional agents and threatening the Insurrection Act to quell riots. Conservatives argue that storming a church not only disrespects worshippers but also erodes the rule of law. As one Fox News commentator put it, "This isn't protest; it's intimidation." The DOJ's swift investigation signals a zero-tolerance stance, with officials like Dhillon emphasizing that free speech does not extend to disrupting religious services—a position echoed across conservative media outlets.

This response aligns with core conservative values: limited government intervention in daily life but firm enforcement against anarchy. The incident has also drawn comparisons to past disruptions, such as those during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, where churches were vandalized. Here, however, the targeting of a specific pastor for alleged ICE ties adds a layer of personal vendetta, prompting calls for enhanced protections for houses of worship under federal hate crime statutes.

The Catholic Lens: Defending the Sanctity of Worship

As Catholics, our response must go beyond politics to the heart of our faith: the inviolability of sacred spaces. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that places of worship are consecrated for divine encounter, where the faithful gather to receive the Eucharist and hear God's Word (CCC 1180-1186). Interrupting a Mass or service is not just rude; it's a profanation that echoes the biblical desecration of the Temple, which Jesus Himself condemned (John 2:13-22). In this case, the protesters' actions at Cities Church—a non-denominational but Christian congregation—strike at the universal Christian principle of reverence for God's house.

Catholic leaders have joined the chorus of condemnation. While specific statements from bishops on this incident are emerging, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has long advocated for respectful dialogue on immigration, emphasizing human dignity without endorsing lawlessness. Pope Francis, in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti, calls for compassionate treatment of migrants but also upholds the right of nations to secure borders (FT 129-132). Conservatives within the Church, including figures like Cardinal Raymond Burke, have criticized activism that disrupts worship, viewing it as a symptom of secularism's assault on faith.

From my vantage as a conservative Catholic, this protest led by Lemon—a vocal critic of conservative policies—highlights a dangerous trend: the weaponization of immigration debates to infringe on religious liberty. Catholic social teaching supports welcoming the stranger (Matthew 25:35), but not at the expense of justice or public order. The Church's Compendium of the Social Doctrine (paragraph 297) affirms the state's duty to regulate migration for the common good. Storming a church undermines this balance, turning a house of prayer into a political battleground. It's worth noting that many Catholic parishes in Minnesota serve immigrant communities, providing aid through organizations like Catholic Charities—efforts that could be jeopardized by such radical tactics.

Moreover, Lemon's defense as "protected speech" rings hollow in a Catholic context. The First Amendment safeguards expression, but not trespass or harassment. As Saint Thomas Aquinas argued in the Summa Theologica (II-II, q. 73), calumny and disruption harm the community. Conservative Catholics see this as part of a broader cultural war, where media personalities like Lemon amplify division rather than foster unity. We must respond with prayer, advocacy for religious protections, and support for just immigration enforcement that respects human life.

Broader Implications and a Call to Action

This St. Paul incident is not isolated; it reflects deepening polarization over immigration in Trump's second term. With ICE operations intensifying and protests turning violent, conservatives fear a repeat of 2020's unrest. Catholic responses emphasize reconciliation: vigils for victims of the ICE shooting, dialogue with protesters, and renewed commitment to pro-life, pro-family policies that address root causes like poverty in sending countries.

In conclusion, the conservative and Catholic outcry against the anti-ICE church protest underscores a shared commitment to sacred spaces, lawful authority, and charitable discourse. Don Lemon's role has amplified the controversy, but it also presents an opportunity for witness. As followers of Christ, let us pray for healing in Minnesota, justice for all involved, and a society where faith can flourish unmolested. Keep the flame of truth burning—through action, prayer, and unwavering fidelity to God's law.


Footnote: While Catholic teaching on migration encourages hospitality, it distinguishes between legal frameworks and unlawful disruption; see USCCB's "Strangers No Longer" (2003) for a balanced view on border security and human rights.




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