Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has pleaded not guilty to charges arising from a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, against federal immigration raids. The incident, which occurred on January 18, involved protesters who alleged that one of the church's pastors was an immigration enforcement official.

Lemon faces charges including conspiracy to deprive rights and interfering with religious freedoms, with allegations that he obstructed someone's First Amendment rights through coercive means. He livestreamed the protest that has led to legal action against eight other participants.

Upon entering the courtroom Friday, Lemon remained silent, although a gathering of supporters chanted slogans criticizing the attorney general. Lemon emphasized that his presence at the protest was purely as an independent journalist, stating, I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now.

Four co-defendants joined Lemon in pleading not guilty. During the hearing, concerns were raised by Lemon's attorney, Abbe Lowell, regarding the seizure of Lemon's mobile phone by investigators during his arrest in Los Angeles.

In the unrest that followed the church protest, emphatic calls such as ICE out were directed at the congregation, responding to the recent deaths of protesters involved in immigration enforcement demonstrations. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt released a statement following Lemon's arrest, affirming that the Trump administration would not tolerate perceived intimidation at places of worship.

Lemon, who was terminated from CNN following controversial comments earlier this year, continues to navigate his career amid these legal challenges.