The BareStory
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a federal civil rights investigation after anti-ICE demonstrators disrupted a worship service on Sunday at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Independent journalist Don Lemon, who accompanied the group and filmed the incident inside the sanctuary, has been put "on notice" by federal authorities regarding potential criminal violations.
The protest occurred amid unrest following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a federal agent in early January. Activists entered the church claiming that an associate pastor serves as a local Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director. Lead Pastor Jonathan Parnell asked the group to leave, calling the interruption "shameful" and emphasizing that the congregation was there to worship.
DOJ officials, including Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon and Senior Advisor Alina Habba, announced the probe would examine violations of the FACE Act, which protects houses of worship from interference and intimidation. Dhillon stated that journalism is not a "shield" for criminal conspiracy, arguing that a church is not a public forum. Attorney General Pam Bondi warned that intimidation of worshipers would be met with federal law.
Lemon defended his actions, stating he was acting solely as a journalist and had no affiliation with the protesters. While Lemon claimed he did not know the group's destination until they arrived, reports citing his livestream alleged he mentioned conducting "reconnaissance" before the event. Following the incident, Lemon reported receiving violent threats.
The White House accused Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of inciting the chaos. Frey rejected the administration's characterization, arguing that a surge of federal agents was "terrorizing" the community. Meanwhile, ICE officials stated they would not be deterred by "agitators" targeting law enforcement.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• Religious congregations may see increased federal enforcement of the FACE Act, designed to protect houses of worship from interference and intimidation during services.
• Journalists covering protests inside private sanctuaries may face legal liability, as the DOJ asserts that media credentials do not shield individuals from potential criminal conspiracy charges.
• Activists targeting law enforcement personnel at places of worship could face federal civil rights investigations, as authorities emphasize that intimidation of worshipers violates federal law.
• Residents in areas with civil unrest may experience conflicting security measures as local mayors and federal officials dispute whether increased federal presence stabilizes or terrorizes communities.
