On January 18, about 40 protesters walked into Cities Church in St. Paul during worship and began chanting “ICE out.”
The target was Pastor David Easterwood, who also works as a director with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The disruption shocked families who were there to pray, not protest.
NEW: AG Pam Bondi has announced the arrests of two of the agitators who DOJ says stormed a Church in St. Paul over the weekend.
Nekima Levy Armstrong, who AG Bondi says was a key organizer of the protest.
Chauntyll Allen, a member of the St. Paul School Board since 2020. pic.twitter.com/0UznMXCo9E
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) January 22, 2026
Four days later, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced arrests tied to the protest. On X, she made the administration’s position clear. “Listen loud and clear: WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP.”
The main arrest was Nekima Levy Armstrong, a Minneapolis-based activist and attorney known for leading loud protests over police and immigration issues.
A second arrest followed soon after. That was Chauntyll Louisa Allen, a St. Paul School Board member who also took part in the demonstration.
Federal officials say the case involves the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, better known as the FACE Act.
While many people associate that law with abortion clinics, it also protects churches, synagogues, and other places of worship from threats, obstruction, or intimidation.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the charges relate to that law and said attacks on places of worship will not be ignored. The investigation involves both the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, working under the U.S. Department of Justice.
Supporters of the protesters argue the action was peaceful and meant to call attention to what they describe as aggressive immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
Most conservatives see it very differently.
To them, this was not a peaceful rally outside a government building. A group barged into a church during worship.
In America, churches are supposed to be safe spaces, just like homes and schools.
Nevada is home to thousands of churches, many serving immigrant communities in Las Vegas, Reno, and rural towns. Some pastors work second jobs or serve in public roles.
If activists decide they can disrupt worship whenever they dislike a policy or a person, no church is truly safe.
There is a time and place for protest. A church service is not it.
You can oppose ICE. You can protest immigration policy. But you cannot block people from worshiping or intimidate them while they pray.
As of now, no court dates have been announced. The case could shape how the FACE Act is used going forward, especially outside abortion clinic cases.
There’s a difference between speaking out and storming in. Free speech ends where intimidation begins.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. Digital technology was used in the research, writing, and production of this article. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
