Story perspectives

Judge Dismisses Charges in Anti-ICE Protest Case

3/22/2026

Center

Lewis Charges Dismissed

In St. Paul, a judge dismissed charges against Heather Denae Lewis in the anti-ICE protest case, ruling they cannot be refiled.
The dismissal comes amid government claims of insufficient evidence.
In Quakertown, one of five arrested teens had charges dropped after a plea deal, allowing probation without admitting guilt.
The remaining teens await court dates.
Community backlash includes a restorative justice meeting with the police chief involved.

Left

Lewis Charges Dropped

Federal prosecutors dismissed charges against Heather Danae Lewis, one of 39 defendants in a Minnesota church protest against the Trump administration's immigration policies.
The charges were dropped for mistaken identity because Lewis was not present at the protest.
Jesus Javier Gomez Islas, 23, says a less-lethal munition fired by the Los Angeles Police Department blinded him during an anti-ICE protest in Los Angeles.
He filed a $100 million claim alleging police negligence.

History

Historical Context

Protests against the Trump administration's immigration policies surged in 2017, particularly in cities like St. Paul and Los Angeles, where over 800 arrests occurred nationwide. This unrest stemmed from heightened tensions between law enforcement and communities advocating for immigrant rights, reflecting a broader struggle over civil liberties and police accountability that has persisted since the 2006 immigration reform protests.

1 of 3

Lewis Charges Dismissed

In St. Paul, a judge dismissed charges against Heather Denae Lewis in the anti-ICE protest case, ruling they cannot be refiled.
The dismissal comes amid government claims of insufficient evidence.
In Quakertown, one of five arrested teens had charges dropped after a plea deal, allowing probation without admitting guilt.
The remaining teens await court dates.
Community backlash includes a restorative justice meeting with the police chief involved.

1 / 3