Full Breakdown
Protests Erupt in Minnesota Targeting ICE Operations and Local Church
1/21/2026, 7:53:20 AM
Anti-ICE Protests at Target Store
On January 16, 2026, a group of anti-ICE protesters occupied a Target store in St. Paul, Minnesota, demanding that the retailer cease its alleged cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Protesters claimed that Target's parking lots have been used as operational bases for ICE agents, with one demonstrator stating, “ICE agents are using the toilets at Target, so they’re facilitating this invasion.” The protest followed heightened tensions in the area after an ICE agent shot and killed a woman during an arrest operation. Protesters chanted slogans such as “We won’t stop fighting until ICE is gone” and called on Target to take a stand against federal immigration enforcement.
Disruption at Cities Church
The day prior, on January 15, protesters disrupted a church service at Cities Church in St. Paul, targeting Pastor David Easterwood, who is reportedly associated with ICE. Approximately 30 demonstrators entered the church, chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” referencing a recent incident involving an ICE agent. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has since launched an investigation into the protest for potential violations of civil rights laws, including the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon condemned the protest, stating, “A house of worship is not a public forum for your protest!”
Official Responses and Investigations
The DOJ's investigation is focused on the legality of the protests, particularly in relation to the disruption of worship services. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has also expressed concern, stating that protesters are increasingly targeting churches and federal law enforcement. DHS officials accused Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of inciting unrest against ICE operations. In response to the protests, the Pentagon has placed 1,500 active-duty soldiers on standby to support ICE activities in the region.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the protests, including Christian leaders and local officials, have condemned the actions as a violation of the First Amendment rights of worshippers. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary professor Andrew Walker labeled the disruption “utterly despicable,” while other religious leaders expressed concern for the safety of congregants, particularly children present during the protest. Nekima Levy Armstrong, a key organizer of the protests, dismissed the DOJ's investigation as a distraction from the actions of ICE agents in the community.
Conflicting Reports and Community Reactions
The protests have sparked mixed reactions within the community. Some residents support the demonstrators' calls for justice and protection for immigrant families, while others express discontent with the disruptions to public worship and local businesses. Videos of the protests have circulated widely, showcasing both the demonstrators' fervor and the tensions surrounding ICE operations in Minnesota.
Verbatim Quotes
- “One of the protesters claimed, “Target parking lots have been a meeting place for ICE agents.” — Protester at Target
- “A house of worship is not a public forum for your protest!” — Harmeet Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights
- “What they did in that church was horrible yesterday.” — President Donald Trump on the church protest
The situation in Minnesota reflects broader national tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and community responses, highlighting the complexities of activism in the context of local law enforcement practices.
