Story perspectives

11 Arrested in Controversial St. Paul Church Protest

2/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced two additional arrests in the Cities Church protest in St. Paul, bringing total to eleven.
Arrestees are Ian Davis Austin and Jerome Deangelo Richardson, who disrupted a service targeting a pastor linked to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Don Lemon, a former CNN anchor, is among those arrested.
The Justice Department is investigating the incidents.
Critics including Rep. Ilhan Omar say the arrests are unconstitutional.

History

Historical Context

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 marked a pivotal moment in U.S. history, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This legacy continues today as activists, including Rep. Ilhan Omar, challenge injustices linked to immigration enforcement. Recent protests against ICE, highlighted by the arrests of journalists like Don Lemon, underscore ongoing struggles for civil liberties and social justice in America.

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Story summary

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced two additional arrests in the Cities Church protest in St. Paul, bringing total to eleven.
Arrestees are Ian Davis Austin and Jerome Deangelo Richardson, who disrupted a service targeting a pastor linked to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Don Lemon, a former CNN anchor, is among those arrested.
The Justice Department is investigating the incidents.
Critics including Rep. Ilhan Omar say the arrests are unconstitutional.

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