Protesters Target Pastor, Violate Church Sanctuary

Anti-ICE protesters invaded a Minnesota church during a Sunday worship service, prompting a federal investigation into what authorities call a direct assault on religious freedom and constitutional rights. Approximately 30-40 activists from groups including Radical Justice Network and Black Lives Matter Minnesota stormed the Cities Church sanctuary, chanting and confronting worshippers who fled in terror. The Department of Justice has launched a probe under the FACE Act, signaling a zero-tolerance federal response to the disruption of houses of worship.

Story Highlights

30-40 protesters from Radical Justice Network and BLM Minnesota stormed Cities Church sanctuary during service
DOJ launches FACE Act investigation with Attorney General Pam Bondi promising “full force of federal law.”
Protesters targeted the pastor, allegedly serving as the acting ICE field director, terrifying congregants who fled
Independent journalist Don Lemon livestreamed and entered the church, drawing calls for his arrest

Federal Response Signals Zero Tolerance

Attorney General Pam Bondi personally contacted the affected pastor and announced a federal investigation under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which protects houses of worship from interference. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon confirmed the Civil Rights Division is treating the case with “highest level of attention,” emphasizing the fundamental right to worship without intimidation. This swift federal response demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting religious liberty from radical activists.

Church Sanctuary Violated During Worship

Approximately 30-40 protesters from the Radical Justice Network and Black Lives Matter Minnesota burst into Cities Church on St. Paul’s Summit Avenue during the 10:40 a.m. service, chanting “ICE out” and confronting worshippers. Lead Pastor Jonathan Parnell attempted to engage the mob while terrified congregants fled “in droves,” leaving many feeling angry and violated according to witnesses. The protesters specifically targeted Pastor David Easterwood, alleging he serves as acting ICE St. Paul field director, though he was absent during the disruption.

DOJ vows to press charges after protesters disrupted church service

Pattern of Anti-Christian Hostility Emerges

The National Religious Broadcasters organization condemned the attack as part of a disturbing trend targeting Christian communities, noting that Christians represent “the most persecuted religious group” facing systematic harassment. NRB President Troy Miller declared the incident “desecrated sanctuary” and called it a wake-up call that Christians are “under siege” from radical activists. Bishop Robert Barron, founder of Word on Fire, denounced the mob action as “unacceptable,” highlighting growing concerns about leftist attacks on traditional faith communities.

ICE officials blamed Minnesota’s progressive leadership, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, for “whipping mobs into frenzy” and creating an environment that enables such lawless behavior. The protest was allegedly motivated by the recent death of Renee Nicole Good, who was fatally shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross after she allegedly attempted to run him over during an immigration enforcement operation.

Media Complicity Raises Additional Concerns

Independent journalist Don Lemon livestreamed the church invasion and followed protesters inside, interviewing participants and amplifying their anti-ICE message while worshippers cowered in fear. Conservative voices, including MAGA influencers, are demanding a federal investigation into Lemon’s role in facilitating the disruption of religious services. His presence and promotion of the protest raises serious questions about media complicity in attacks on religious freedom and constitutional rights.

Watch the report: Anti-ICE protest disrupts church service in Minnesota