A protest against U.S. immigration enforcement at a church in Minnesota resulted in multiple arrests, including that of prominent civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong. The demonstration disrupted a service at the Cities Church in St. Paul, where an official from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) serves as a pastor. The incident has drawn significant attention, particularly as a judge dismissed charges against journalist Don Lemon related to the event.
On March 10, 2024, protests erupted at Cities Church, where participants chanted phrases like “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good.” The latter refers to a mother of three who was fatally shot by an ICE officer earlier in the month. Following the disruption, Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the arrest of Armstrong and two others involved in the protest. She stated online that the Justice Department was taking swift action in response to what it described as a violation of a sacred space.
Vice President JD Vance, who spoke in Minneapolis, criticized the protesters, urging local law enforcement to assist federal authorities in immigration enforcement efforts. He has previously remarked that the death of Renee Good was a “tragedy of her own making” and has warned that those participating in protests could face severe legal consequences.
In a statement regarding the arrests, Doug Wardlow, director of litigation for True North Legal, commended the Justice Department’s actions. He referred to the coordinated protest as a “terrible crime” against the church and its congregation. The church, affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, has faced scrutiny due to its pastor’s dual role as an ICE official.
Armstrong, who has a history of leading protests against police violence, including those related to the deaths of George Floyd and Philando Castile, expressed concern over the church’s pastor’s position. She stated that “you cannot lead a congregation while directing an agency whose actions have cost lives.” Her remarks highlight a growing tension surrounding the intersection of faith and immigration enforcement.
The protesters have been charged under laws prohibiting obstruction of services at places of worship. Kash Patel, the FBI Director, confirmed that two other individuals were arrested alongside Armstrong, with charges stemming from their actions during the protest.
In the aftermath of the arrests, the Justice Department initiated a civil rights investigation into the protest. However, it found no basis for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Renee Good’s death, which officials assert was justified as self-defense.
While Armstrong and her co-defendants were granted bail, they remain subject to travel restrictions, which prevent them from leaving Minnesota or approaching the church. The government’s intention to appeal this decision further complicates the legal landscape surrounding the case.
In a related development, a federal magistrate judge dismissed charges against journalist Lemon, who was present at the protest as a reporter. Responding to the judge’s ruling, Lemon emphasized his role as a journalist, stating, “Once the protest started in the church, we did an act of journalism which was report on it and talk to the people involved.”
As this situation continues to unfold, it underscores the complex dynamics of immigration enforcement, community activism, and the role of faith-based institutions in addressing social issues. The events in Minnesota reflect broader national conversations regarding immigration policy and the implications for local communities.
