Story perspectives

Judge Denies Trump’s Bid to Detain Church Protesters

1/24/2026

Center

Judge Denies Detention

U.S. District Judge Laura M. Provinzino denied the Trump administration's bid to detain three protesters arrested for disrupting a church service in St. Paul.
Provinzino found no legal basis for detention, saying the administration provided insufficient evidence.
The protesters face charges under the Federal Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) for conspiracy against constitutional rights.
Two protesters have strong ties to Minnesota and did not flee.

Left

Lemon Exonerated by Judge

A federal magistrate judge dismissed the Justice Department's attempt to charge journalist Don Lemon for his presence at a protest in a Minnesota church.
Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed anger over the ruling.
Lemon claims he was documenting the event as a journalist, not participating in the protest.
The Justice Department has arrested two individuals connected to the protests, but charges against Lemon may still be pursued in the future.

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Judge Denies Detention

U.S. District Judge Laura M. Provinzino denied the Trump administration's bid to detain three protesters arrested for disrupting a church service in St. Paul.
Provinzino found no legal basis for detention, saying the administration provided insufficient evidence.
The protesters face charges under the Federal Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) for conspiracy against constitutional rights.
Two protesters have strong ties to Minnesota and did not flee.

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