On January 18, 2026, a church service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, was interrupted by anti-ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) protesters, led by former CNN anchor Don Lemon. This incident has sparked debates about the appropriateness of protests in places of worship.
• The protest included chants like "ICE out! " and targeted the church due to its connection to an ICE official.
• Don Lemon livestreamed the event, promoting the idea of First Amendment rights to protest, stating that protests are often uncomfortable.
• The U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement expressed their disapproval, stating that protesters are now targeting churches as well as their officers. They criticized local officials for allegedly encouraging such disturbances.
• The lead pastor of Cities Church, Jonathan Parnell, confronted Lemon, labeling the protest as unacceptable and a shameful disruption of worship.
• The Department of Justice is investigating the event for potential violations of the federal FACE Act, which protects houses of worship from disruption by protests.
• Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon emphasized that a church is not a forum for public protest and warned that such actions could violate federal laws.
The protest at Cities Church raises significant questions regarding the limits of free speech, especially concerning the sanctity of worship spaces. Authorities are looking into potential legal implications arising from this incident, indicating a growing tension between activism and religious gatherings.
https://www.wnd.com/2026/01/unacceptable-anti-ice-agitators-storm-christian-worship-service/
No comments:
Post a Comment