Nekima Levy Armstrong
Nekima Levy Armstrong @nekimal/Instagram

A prominent civil rights lawyer was among several demonstrators arrested after an anti-immigration protest disrupted a church service in Minnesota, drawing national attention to the intersection of protest activity, federal immigration enforcement and freedom of worship.

The arrests followed a demonstration at a St Paul church linked to a senior US Immigration and Customs Enforcement official and came as federal authorities signalled a tougher approach to protests targeting ICE operations.

The incident also coincided with a recent appeals court ruling that lifted restrictions on federal agents' ability to detain demonstrators, adding legal weight to an enforcement strategy that has faced growing opposition from civil liberties groups.

Protest at Minnesota Church

On 18 January 2026, a group of anti-ICE protesters entered Cities Church in St Paul during a Sunday worship service. Demonstrators criticised the church's pastor, David Easterwood, who also serves as acting field director of ICE in Minnesota, arguing that his dual role raised ethical concerns.

Protesters chanted slogans including 'ICE out' and 'Justice for Renee Good,' referring to the death of 37-year-old Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent earlier in January during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The shooting triggered protests across the Twin Cities and renewed scrutiny of federal immigration practices.

Federal authorities later arrested three people in connection with the disruption. Those detained included Nekima Levy Armstrong, a well-known Minneapolis civil rights attorney, Chauntyll Louisa Allen, and activist William Kelly, according to the Department of Justice.

Charges and Federal Response

Federal prosecutors said the defendants face charges related to obstructing access to a place of worship and conspiracy to deprive others of civil rights. US Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Justice Department would pursue the case, stating that disruptions of religious services would be treated seriously under federal law.

Bondi made the comments during a visit to Minnesota by Vice President JD Vance, who defended the federal response and called for stronger coordination between federal, state and local authorities amid ongoing protests linked to immigration enforcement.

Appeals Court Ruling on ICE Authority

The arrests came days after a federal appeals court paused an earlier judicial order that had limited ICE agents' authority to detain or arrest demonstrators during enforcement operations in Minneapolis. The decision reinstated broader federal arrest powers while legal challenges continue.

Civil liberties organisations criticised the ruling, arguing it weakens constitutional protections for peaceful protest. Federal officials said the earlier restrictions had hindered enforcement efforts and failed to protect federal personnel and public institutions.

Wider Debate and Legal Context

The church protest forms part of a broader wave of demonstrations following ICE actions in Minnesota, particularly after Good's death. Immigration advocates have expressed concern about aggressive enforcement tactics, while federal authorities maintain that public safety and lawful operations must take precedence.

In a related development, a federal judge declined to approve charges against Don Lemon, who livestreamed the church protest. The judge cited press protections, while noting that the decision did not apply to individuals accused of disrupting the service.

Armstrong and her co-defendants have defended their actions as a form of protest against what they describe as harmful immigration policies. Federal prosecutors said the case would proceed through the courts, with further hearings expected in the coming weeks.

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