Protest Disrupts Church Service in St. Paul
On Sunday, a group of anti-ICE protesters entered a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, disrupting a service after alleging that a pastor present was connected to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Video from the event captured demonstrators chanting “Justice for Renee Good” as they filled the sanctuary of Cities Church. This incident heightened concerns among law enforcement and religious leaders about the potential targeting of places of worship amidst escalating anti-ICE protests in the Twin Cities.
Another video showed the protesters positioned in the middle of the sanctuary while the pastor was speaking. The person filming referred to the disruption as a “top secret mission,” claiming that they had just discovered one of the church’s pastors had ties to ICE.
Cities Church lists a total of eight pastors in different roles, including David Easterwood, who shares a name with the acting director of ICE’s St. Paul field office.
ICE confirmed the protest, sharing footage of the event that had gained traction on social media.
The Department of Homeland Security noted that the unrest is extending beyond targeting law enforcement to include churches, stating, “They go from hotel to hotel, church to church, looking for federal law enforcement agents who are risking their lives to protect the American people.” The agency also criticized local leaders, blaming them for inciting the protests.
“We are undaunted,” the Department of Homeland Security declared. “ICE is not going anywhere.”
The Justice Department has launched an investigation into the church protests to assess potential civil rights violations, specifically referencing infringements related to the federal FACE Act that protects houses of worship.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey defended the protests, countering claims from federal officials that labeled them as dangerous or unlawful. He expressed concern that the local community feels threatened by the increased presence of federal agents rather than secure.
In an appearance on CBS’s Face the Nation, Frey articulated that this issue extends beyond merely resisting federal policies. “It’s about loving and caring for the people who call this city home,” he emphasized, acknowledging that the residents were peacefully speaking up for their neighbors.
