A recent protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a Minnesota church has led to federal charges against three activists. The protest was described by the Justice Department as a coordinated disruption that left churchgoers, including children, feeling terrified and resulted in injuries.
1. Event Overview:
• On January 18, 2026, a group of 30-40 anti-ICE protesters disrupted a service at Cities Church in St. Paul, causing panic among worshippers. This included blocking parents from accessing their children in childcare.
2. Injuries Reported:
• During the confrontation, a woman reportedly broke her arm while trying to escape the chaos. The DOJ noted that the protest was terrifying for many attendees, particularly children.
3. Federal Charges:
• Three individuals were arrested on January 22 and charged with conspiracy against rights secured by federal law. The charges stemmed from Title 18 U. S. Code § 241, relating to the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.
• The activists include Nekima Valdez Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Louisa Allen, and William Scott Kelly, who have notable backgrounds in civil rights activism.
4. Claims of Justification:
• Armstrong's lawyer defended their actions as free speech, arguing that their protest did not violate laws. Conversely, the DOJ maintains that blocking churchgoers and interrupting religious services constitutes a criminal act.
5. Targets and Strategy:
• The protesters were motivated by beliefs regarding one of the church's pastors allegedly working as a federal immigration officer. Armstrong was cited as the organizer of the protest, which was planned in advance.
6. Impact on Worshippers:
• According to reports, many parishioners were traumatized, leading to children crying and adults expressing fear. Testimonies collected emphasized the distress caused by the activists' presence.
7. Defiance from Protest Leaders:
• In the wake of their arrests, Armstrong claimed they were unapologetic about the protest, while Allen stated that disrupting church services was necessary to convey their message.
8. Legal Backing and Defenses:
• Activists, including Allen and Kelly, have publicly stated their intention to defend their rights and continue protest activities. Kelly has made provocative statements about the government's response to their protest efforts.
9. Media Involvement and Reactions:
• Former CNN host Don Lemon was reportedly present during the protest and faced scrutiny for his role in covering the event. He maintained his actions were journalistic in nature and not intended to incite disruption.
10. Federal and Legal Response:
• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) affirmed its commitment to protecting religious freedoms, framing the protests as an infringement upon those rights.
The disruption at Cities Church has sparked a larger conversation about the limits of protest, free speech, and the protection of religious spaces. The federal charges against the activists have drawn mixed reactions, with supporters citing civil rights, while opponents highlight the impact on the community. As legal proceedings unfold, the case will likely continue to be a focal point in discussions about activism and the boundaries of protest in communities.
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