MN - Journalist Don Lemon arrested for church protest, Minneapolis, 18 Jan 2026

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Formal / News style: Former U.S. attorney joins Lemon’s defense team amid controversy over federal immigration enforcement policies. Ex-prosecutor who resigned in protest of immigration policy now represents the former CNN anchor in high-profile case. Move highlights tensions within the Justice Department over immigration and civil rights prosecutions. Professional & engaging: A rare switch from prosecutor to defender brings new weight to Lemon’s legal battle. The hiring underscores growing debate over press freedom and federal enforcement priorities. Short & impactful: A controversial resignation turns into a powerful legal alliance. From government watchdog to Lemon’s defender​

In a notable twist, Lemon has added Joseph H. Thompson, a former interim U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, to his defense team. Thompson had served nearly 17 years in the Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office and held senior leadership positions, including acting U.S. Attorney, before resigning in January amid internal disagreements over how federal authorities were handling immigration-related cases and certain investigations.

A court filing earlier this week confirmed that Thompson will appear as counsel of record for Lemon, joining powerhouse defense attorney Abbe Lowell in representing the journalist in federal court. Lowell is known for representing high-profile clients in politically charged cases and is expected to lead the defense strategy.
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Thompson’s decision to switch sides — from federal prosecutor to defense counsel — against the very office he once helped lead adds an unusual dynamic to the case. It pits Lemon’s defense team directly against seasoned federal attorneys with whom Thompson once worked, potentially reshaping legal tactics and courtroom dynamics.

Don Lemon Hires Federal Prosecutor Who Quit Over Immigration Crackdown

Formal / News style: Former U.S. attorney joins Lemon’s defense team amid controversy over federal immigration enforcement policies. Ex-prosecutor who resigned in protest of immigration policy now represents the former CNN anchor in high-profile case. Move highlights tensions within the Justice...

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