Arrests at Minnesota Anti-ICE Protest Prompt Civil Rights Investigation

A prominent civil rights attorney and two other individuals were arrested during a protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that disrupted a service at a Minnesota church, officials reported Thursday. The arrests raise significant questions about enforcement actions and civil liberties, particularly in the wake of a recent police-involved shooting that spurred community outcry.

Why It Matters

These arrests not only highlight ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the U.S., but they also underscore the intersection of civil rights and religious freedom. With community leaders advocating for migrant rights while facing pushback from law enforcement, this incident could have far-reaching implications for future protests, religious gatherings, and the relationship between federal and state officials.

Key Developments

• Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights attorney, along with at least two other individuals, were arrested during a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul.
• The protest was aimed at the church’s pastor, who is also an ICE official, and was fueled by recent events surrounding the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer.
• Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the arrests followed a Justice Department civil rights investigation opened into the protest’s disruption of worship services.
• The Department of Justice found no basis for a civil rights inquiry into Good’s death, while also investigating potential obstructions to federal immigration enforcement by local officials.
• A federal judge subsequently rejected charges against journalist Don Lemon connected to the protest.

Full Report

Arrest Details

On Sunday, protesters entered Cities Church, disrupting the service with chants demanding the removal of ICE. Armstrong had called for the resignation of the pastor due to a perceived conflict of interest stemming from his role in immigration enforcement. In the aftermath, Bondi noted that Armstrong and two others were arrested for obstructing a religious service.

Levy Armstrong, a notable figure in civil rights activism, criticized the dual roles of church leaders who work for ICE, arguing they undermine the sanctity of a place of worship. "You cannot lead a congregation while directing an agency whose actions have cost lives and inflicted fear in our communities," she asserted.

Government Response

The Justice Department swiftly opened an investigation into the protest, following strong statements from Bondi about the sanctity of houses of worship. She emphasized, "WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP." In contrast, she praised law enforcement’s actions against the protesters, framing them as necessary for maintaining order.

Vice President JD Vance urged local and state law enforcement to collaborate more closely with federal counterparts, stating a desire for all levels of government to work together effectively. Notably, Vance characterized Good’s death as a "tragedy of her own making" and warned protestors of severe consequences, including imprisonment.

Protesters’ Reactions and Legal Proceedings

The arrested individuals, including Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen, face charges under statutes concerning intimidation and obstruction of worshippers. After a hearing, a magistrate judge granted them bond under certain restrictions, but the government has expressed intentions to appeal.

Following the protests, significant discourse emerged regarding the legal protections for journalists, as a federal judge dismissed charges against Don Lemon. Lemon, who claimed to be merely reporting on the event, found his First Amendment rights upheld in this instance.

Context & Previous Events

This incident comes in the wake of Renee Good’s death earlier this month, which galvanized community members advocating for immigrant rights and greater scrutiny of law enforcement practices. The attorney general’s office has also launched investigations into whether Minnesota officials hindered federal immigration enforcement, sending subpoenas to various local leaders.

The recent protest at Cities Church holds particular weight amid ongoing debates about immigration policy, law enforcement accountability, and the limits of civil liberties in public demonstrations.