Protesters against ICE disrupted church service, now facing charges

The US Department of Justice has charged 30 more people in connection with disrupting church services in Minnesota, where a protest against the Trump administration's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids took place last month. A total of 39 people now face charges.

Among the nine people originally charged is former CNN anchor Don Lemon. All of the defendants are being prosecuted for conspiracy against the right to religious worship and for violating a law that prohibits blocking access to places of worship.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said federal agents have already arrested 25 of the defendants and will arrest the others later today. "You cannot attack a house of worship. If you do, we will find you, arrest you, and prosecute you," she said.

Lemon and several other defendants have pleaded not guilty. The former American TV host, who now works as an independent journalist, claims that his indictment violates his First Amendment right to freedom of the press. He was broadcasting the demonstration live.

(reuters, max)