A protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, targeting a pastor who is also an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official, has resulted in multiple federal indictments and arrests.
Activists and journalists, including former CNN anchor Don Lemon and independent journalist Georgia Fort, were among those apprehended. They face charges related to interfering with religious freedom.
The arrests have prompted legal challenges, statements regarding press freedom, and broader discussions concerning immigration enforcement actions in the Twin Cities.
Church Protest in St. Paul
On Sunday, January 18, approximately 30 to 40 anti-racism activists entered Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, during a worship service. Organized by groups including the Racial Justice Network and Black Lives Matter Minnesota, the protest targeted Pastor David Easterwood, who also serves as the acting director for the St. Paul ICE field office.
Protesters chanted "ICE out!" and "Justice for Renee Good!" Good, 37, had been fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis earlier in January.
Allegations of Disruption and Harm
Charging documents and reports indicated that the protest significantly disrupted the religious service. Allegations included that worshippers were "terrorized," children were "weeping," and one congregant sustained a broken arm. It was also reported that some congregants were blocked from exiting the church.
Journalists present at the event included Don Lemon, Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy. Lemon stated he was covering the protest rather than participating.
Initial Arrests and Judicial Challenges
Following the protest, federal authorities arrested activists Nekima Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Louisa Allen, and William Kelly. The Justice Department stated its intent to pursue charges under the federal FACE Act, which applies to houses of worship, and a conspiracy against constitutional rights statute.
Judicial Scrutiny and Releases
Federal judges in Minnesota quickly raised concerns regarding the initial charges and detention requests. U.S. District Judge Laura M. Provinzino ordered the release of Levy Armstrong and Allen, citing insufficient evidence from Justice Department lawyers to justify detention or classify the incident as a "crime of violence." Magistrate Judge Douglas Micko also declined to approve FACE Act charges for Levy Armstrong and Allen, citing a lack of probable cause.
"Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota described the appeal as 'unheard of'."
The Justice Department appealed these decisions, an action Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz described as "unheard of." The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit subsequently rejected the Justice Department's request, stating the government "failed to establish that it has no other adequate means of obtaining the requested relief." One appellate judge, L. Steven Grasz, issued a concurring opinion, asserting his belief in probable cause for arrests.
All initially arrested activists were released on the condition that they remain in Minnesota, avoid the church property, and have no contact with witnesses or victims.
Grand Jury Indictments and Further Arrests
On Thursday, January 30, a federal grand jury issued indictments against nine individuals, including journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, in connection with the January 18 protest.
The indictment charged all defendants with conspiracy against the rights of religious freedom at a place of worship and with injuring, intimidating, and interfering with the exercise of the right of religious freedom at a place of worship. Lemon was also specifically charged with violating the FACE Act.
Arrests of Journalists and Legal Defense
Federal agents arrested Don Lemon in Los Angeles on January 30, reportedly while he was covering the Grammy Awards. Other journalists, including Georgia Fort, Trahern Jeen Crews, and Jamael Lydell Lundy, were also arrested, alongside Ian Davis Austin and Jerome Deangelo Richardson.
Lemon's attorney characterized the arrest as an "unprecedented attack on the First Amendment."
Lemon's attorney, Abbe Lowell, stated that Lemon was reporting on the event and that his work is protected by the First Amendment. Lowell characterized the arrest as an "unprecedented attack on the First Amendment."
However, court documents allege Lemon livestreamed pre-protest plans, provided instructions on secrecy, and obstructed congregants inside the church. Lemon and other arrested defendants were released on personal recognizance. Lemon's next hearing is scheduled for February 9 in Minneapolis.
Government and Legal Responses
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the arrests, stating they were made "at my direction" and vowing to prosecute anyone interfering with "the right to worship freely and safely." Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated that journalism does not provide a "shield" from involvement in a "criminal conspiracy."
Internal Concerns and Press Freedom Debate
Reports indicated that career prosecutors in the Minneapolis-based U.S. Attorney's Office had concerns regarding the strength of evidence in the church protest cases. Notably, Joseph H. Thompson, a former Minnesota federal prosecutor and acting U.S. Attorney, was hired to represent Don Lemon. Thompson had departed the Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s office in mid-January with several other prosecutors.
Organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists and CNN raised concerns about press freedom and the First Amendment in response to Lemon's arrest.
Broader Context and Related Developments
The arrests unfolded amid "Operation Metro Surge," a federal immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. During this operation, the Department of Homeland Security reported deploying 3,000 federal immigration agents and arresting more than 3,000 undocumented immigrants over two months. Tragically, Renee Good and Alex Pretti were shot and killed by federal immigration authorities in separate confrontations during this period.
The Justice Department also launched an investigation into whether Minnesota state and local officials impeded federal immigration enforcement, issuing subpoenas to various government offices.
Political Commentary
Vice President JD Vance visited Minnesota, commenting on the protest and immigration enforcement. Former President Donald Trump also made statements regarding the protest and Lemon's arrest on social media platforms.