Former CNN host Don Lemon has hired Joe Thompson, a former federal prosecutor who resigned amid disputes with the Trump administration, to represent him in federal court. Lemon faces civil rights charges related to his coverage of a church protest where an ICE official was pastor. The representation comes as Thompson recently formed his own law firm after leaving his position as interim U.S. Attorney.

Lemon, one of nine people indicted in the Minnesota church disruption case, plans to plead not guilty during his Feb. 13 arraignment. He maintains he was present as an independent journalist, not affiliated with the group that disrupted the service. The case has drawn attention to the Justice Department's response to immigration enforcement under the current administration.

Thompson's departure from the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's Office followed growing frustration with the administration's immigration policies. Before resigning, Thompson estimated losses in Minnesota fraud cases, many involving the Somali community, could reach $9 billion. The Trump administration has cited these cases as justification for its increased immigration enforcement in the state.