Protesters STORM Church!

The Justice Department has launched a federal investigation into anti-ICE protesters who stormed a Minnesota church during Sunday worship, with Attorney General Pam Bondi vowing the “full force of federal law” against what conservatives are calling an unprecedented attack on religious liberty.

Story Highlights

Anti-ICE protesters disrupted Sunday service at Cities Church in St. Paul, targeting pastor with ICE ties
Don Lemon livestreamed the church invasion, drawing conservative calls for his arrest under the FACE Act
DOJ Civil Rights Division investigating potential federal crimes against religious freedom
Protest stems from Trump’s deployment of 3,000 ICE agents to Minnesota following officer-involved shooting

Federal Investigation Launches After Church Disruption

The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division activated an investigation on January 19, 2026, following the disruption of worship services at Cities Church in St. Paul. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon confirmed the federal probe on social media, while Attorney General Pam Bondi personally contacted church leadership to assure prosecution under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. The 1994 federal law protects religious facilities from intimidation and obstruction, carrying potential prison sentences for violators.

Protesters Target Pastor Over ICE Leadership Role

Anti-ICE activists from the Racial Justice Network, led by lawyer and reverend Nekima Levy Armstrong, entered Cities Church during Sunday morning prayers on January 18, 2026. The protesters chanted “ICE out” and “Hands up, don’t shoot” while targeting pastor David Easterwood, who serves as acting field office director for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Lead pastor Jonathan Parnell confronted the disruption, calling it “shameful” and asking protesters to leave as terrified congregants, including children, evacuated the sanctuary.

Don Lemon’s Role Sparks Conservative Outrage

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon livestreamed the church invasion on YouTube, conducting interviews with both protesters and church leadership during the disruption. Conservative influencers, including Benny Johnson and Matt Walsh, demanded Lemon’s arrest under the FACE Act for allegedly facilitating the violation of religious rights. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated President Trump “will not tolerate the harassment of Christians,” while the DOJ placed Lemon “on notice” for his role in covering the protest inside the worship facility.

The disruption occurred amid heightened tensions over Trump’s deployment of 3,000 ICE agents to Minnesota for immigration enforcement operations. The federal crackdown intensified following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross earlier in January 2026, sparking statewide anti-ICE demonstrations and calls for federal withdrawal from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.

Religious Liberty Groups Condemn Attack on Worship

Southern Baptist Convention leaders issued strong condemnations of the church disruption, with SBC Executive Committee President Jeff Iorg calling the protest “absolutely wrong” and a violation of First Amendment protections. Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission officials urged Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison to protect religious assembly rights, criticizing state officials’ inaction while local police waited outside without intervening. Baptist Press characterized the incident as an unprecedented assault on religious freedom, noting the terror experienced by worshipping families.

The federal investigation represents a stark contrast between the Trump administration’s swift response and Minnesota Democratic leadership’s failure to protect constitutional rights. This incident establishes a dangerous precedent where leftist activists feel emboldened to invade sacred spaces, targeting Christians for their association with lawful immigration enforcement. The DOJ’s decisive action sends a clear message that attacks on religious liberty will face federal prosecution, regardless of local political sympathies.