Anti-Deportation Protester in Custody Following Church Disruption

A protester who challenged Attorney General Pam Bondi to arrest him during a disruption at a church service in Minnesota has now been taken into custody, Bondi announced on Thursday.

Video footage captured a crowd interrupting a service at Cities Church in St. Paul, protesting against the Rev. William Kelly, who was criticized for his connection to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Bondi characterized these protests as an infringement on the religious rights of congregants and confirmed multiple arrests, including that of Rev. Kelly.

In a previous interview, Kelly had addressed Bondi directly, saying, “So, you know, Pam Bondi, you want to go and arrest me? Do you want to come and indict me? That’s fine,” reflecting a defiant stance after the protests.

Bondi’s response came in a social media post on Thursday.

Kelly faces charges related to conspiracy and violations of the Freedom of Admission to Clinics Act (FACE), a law designed to protect places of worship from being disrupted. In a post showcasing an image of federal agents detaining Kelly, he was seen wearing a beanie and a yellow vest that featured a provocative slogan.

During the protest, Kelly ranted at the churchgoers about “fake Christians” living comfortably while failing to address serious issues, equating current treatment of children to past atrocities. The anti-ICE group continued their protest even after the pastor requested the removal of those disrupting the services.

In addition to the current charges, Kelly also faces separate disorderly conduct allegations from a previous incident at the White House, where he reportedly harassed individuals in line for tours and verbally attacked them.

Earlier on Thursday, Bondi also noted the arrests of activists Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntil Louisa Allen, linking them to the events at the Minnesota church.