Federal Investigation Underway
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a criminal and civil rights investigation into a protest that occurred on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. The investigation follows reports of anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) demonstrators disrupting a church service.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division confirmed the probe, stating that officials are investigating potential civil rights violations for 'desecrating a house of worship and interfering with Christian worshippers.' Attorney General Pam Bondi also affirmed the investigation, vowing prosecution for any federal law violations.
Details of the Disruption
Approximately two to three dozen protesters entered Cities Church during its Sunday service, chanting slogans such as 'ICE out' and 'Justice for Renee Good.' Some demonstrators reportedly approached the pulpit, leading to the premature conclusion of the service.
The protest was organized, in part, by Black Lives Matter Minnesota and activist Nekima Levy-Armstrong. Protesters alleged that David Easterwood, one of the church's pastors, also serves as the acting director of the local ICE field office. This alleged dual role was the primary reason for targeting the church.
Motivations Behind the Protest
The demonstration was fueled by recent tensions surrounding ICE operations in the Twin Cities area. Protesters specifically referenced Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis earlier in January 2026 during an enforcement action. Activists claim that Easterwood's alleged ICE office has been involved in 'violent tactics and illegal arrests.'
Nekima Levy-Armstrong, a participant and leader in the protest, described the demonstration as 'nonviolent, lawful and morally necessary,' dismissing the DOJ's investigation as a 'sham' and a 'distraction' from federal agents' actions.
Legal and Community Reactions
The DOJ's investigation will consider potential violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, a 1994 law that prohibits interference with a person's First Amendment right to religious freedom at a place of worship. Assistant Attorney General Dhillon indicated that the FBI would also be involved in the investigation.
The Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention, to which Cities Church belongs, condemned the incident as 'an unacceptable trauma,' noting that the service was 'forced to end prematurely' amidst shouts and accusations. Pastor Jonathan Parnell of Cities Church reportedly asked the protesters to leave, but they refused.
5 Comments
Bermudez
While the concerns about ICE are valid, disrupting a church service might alienate potential allies. It makes it harder to get your message across effectively.
Africa
Glad the DOJ is stepping in. No one should disrupt a place of worship like that.
Habibi
Completely out of line. There are other ways to protest without invading sacred spaces.
Muchacho
If a pastor is also an ICE director, that church is a legitimate target for protest.
Africa
The FACE Act is there for a reason. These activists went too far.