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House Speaker Backs DHS Amid Clergy Protest Violence

10/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Department of Homeland Security agents who used pepper rounds against clergy protesting deportations.
He said that religious freedom does not allow protesters to confront ICE officers aggressively.
The comments followed incidents in which faith leaders, including Rev. David Black and Rev. Jorge Bautista, were injured during demonstrations against immigration enforcement.
An Illinois lawsuit claims federal agents violated protesters' religious rights and seeks a temporary restraining order against the use of violence.
Critics, including over 250 clergy in Chicago, condemned ICE's actions and pledged to advocate for immigrants.

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Story summary

House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Department of Homeland Security agents who used pepper rounds against clergy protesting deportations.
He said that religious freedom does not allow protesters to confront ICE officers aggressively.
The comments followed incidents in which faith leaders, including Rev. David Black and Rev. Jorge Bautista, were injured during demonstrations against immigration enforcement.
An Illinois lawsuit claims federal agents violated protesters' religious rights and seeks a temporary restraining order against the use of violence.
Critics, including over 250 clergy in Chicago, condemned ICE's actions and pledged to advocate for immigrants.