A prominent civil rights attorney and at least one other protester were arrested following a disruption of a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, as tensions over federal immigration enforcement continue to escalate in the state.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Thursday that Nekima Levy Armstrong was arrested after protesters entered Cities Church during Sunday worship services. A second person, Chauntyll Louisa Allen, was also taken into custody, Bondi later confirmed.
Protest Targets ICE-Affiliated Pastor
The protest took place at Cities Church, where one of the pastors, David Easterwood, also serves as head of the local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office. Demonstrators chanted slogans including “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” referencing a 37-year-old mother of three fatally shot by an ICE officer earlier this month in Minneapolis.
Levy Armstrong has publicly called for Easterwood to resign, arguing that his leadership role within ICE creates a moral conflict with pastoral duties. She said federal officials were using intimidation to silence peaceful protest.
Justice Department Responds Swiftly
The Justice Department quickly opened a civil rights investigation into the church disruption. Bondi said the administration would not tolerate interference at places of worship, emphasizing that such actions cross legal and ethical boundaries.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Levy Armstrong faces a charge under a statute barring intimidation of individuals exercising protected rights. FBI Director Kash Patel said Allen is charged under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which also applies to houses of worship.
Political Backdrop and Vance Visit
The arrests come as Vice President JD Vance prepares to visit Minnesota amid heightened conflict between federal immigration authorities and local officials who oppose the crackdown. Speaking ahead of his visit, Vance said the protesters frightened children and warned that those responsible could face prison time.
Vance’s visit follows the killing of Renee Good on Jan. 7. Administration officials have said the ICE officer acted in self-defense, a conclusion that led the Justice Department to decline opening a civil rights investigation into her death.
Wider Enforcement and Legal Battles
Federal prosecutors have also subpoenaed the offices of Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and several local leaders as part of an investigation into whether Minnesota officials obstructed immigration enforcement.
Meanwhile, a federal appeals court has temporarily allowed agents to continue using crowd-control measures such as tear gas, after suspending a lower court ruling that restricted their use against protesters.
Growing Community Tensions
ICE and Border Patrol officials have defended their actions, saying enforcement efforts are necessary for public safety. Critics argue the administration’s aggressive response to protests contrasts sharply with its handling of civilian deaths linked to immigration enforcement, deepening mistrust across Minnesota communities.
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