Full Breakdown
Disruption of Worship: Anti-ICE Protest at Cities Church in St. Paul
1/19/2026, 3:48:39 AM
Overview of the Incident
On January 18, 2026, a group of anti-ICE protesters disrupted a worship service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. The demonstration was organized by the Racial Justice Network and Black Lives Matter Minnesota, targeting Pastor David Easterwood, who protesters allege is the acting director of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office in Minnesota. The protest, described as a "clandestine operation," aimed to confront the church leadership and draw attention to immigration enforcement policies following the recent shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent.
Details of the Protest
Protesters entered the church during the service, chanting slogans such as "Justice for Renee Good" and "ICE out." The disruption lasted approximately 30 minutes, effectively ending the service and prompting many congregants to leave in frustration. Eyewitness accounts noted that the atmosphere became tense, with some attendees expressing feelings of violation and anger over the interruption of their worship.
Don Lemon, a former CNN anchor, livestreamed the event, capturing the confrontation between protesters and churchgoers. He defended the protesters' actions as an exercise of their First Amendment rights, arguing that discomfort is inherent in protests. However, church leaders condemned the disruption, with Cities Church's lead pastor, Jonathan Parnell, labeling the protest as "shameful."
Official Responses and Investigations
The Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into the protest to determine potential violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act), which prohibits interference with religious services. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated that the actions of the protesters could be classified as desecrating a house of worship and interfering with Christian worshippers. The investigation is also examining whether other related crimes occurred during the protest.
In response to the incident, the Department of Homeland Security criticized the targeting of churches, stating that such actions are part of a broader trend of anti-ICE demonstrations in the Twin Cities. The agency emphasized that ICE operations are essential for public safety and will continue despite protests.
Criticism and Opposition
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey defended the protests, asserting that the federal immigration crackdown has made residents feel targeted rather than protected. He characterized the actions of federal agents as "terrorizing" the community and urged peaceful protests. Frey has faced criticism from federal officials, including claims that he and Governor Tim Walz are inciting unrest.
Critics of the protest, including religious leaders and community members, expressed concern over the appropriateness of disrupting a worship service. Some argued that such tactics could alienate potential supporters of the cause, while others emphasized the need for respect for religious spaces.
Broader Implications
The incident at Cities Church reflects ongoing tensions in Minnesota regarding immigration enforcement and community responses. Protests have escalated following the shooting of Renee Good, highlighting the complex dynamics between law enforcement and immigrant communities. As investigations proceed, the incident raises questions about the boundaries of protest tactics and the impact on community relations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This cannot be a house of God while harboring someone directing ICE agents to wreak havoc on our community,” — Nekima Levy-Armstrong, Activist
- “Agitators aren’t just targeting our officers. Now they’re targeting churches, too,” — Department of Homeland Security
- “This is not about safety. What this is about is coming into our city by the thousands and terrorizing people simply because they're Latino or Somali,” — Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis
- “A house of worship is not a public forum for your protest!” — Harmeet Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General
The disruption at Cities Church serves as a focal point in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and community activism, illustrating the challenges faced by both law enforcement and local leaders in navigating these contentious issues.
