The Department of Justice (DOJ) is looking into an incident involving anti-ICE protesters who attacked a church in Minnesota on Sunday, exploring potential breaches of the Freedom of Admission to Clinic Act (FACE) and the KKK Act.
This approach contrasts sharply with the Biden administration’s Justice Department, which previously utilized the same federal law to charge and imprison nearly two dozen nonviolent pro-life demonstrators.
Protesters at Cities Church in Minneapolis accused the pastor of being affiliated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Footage taken during the event showed individuals chanting slogans like “Hands up, don’t shoot” and “ICE go!” While filming, former CNN host Don Lemon stated he wasn’t part of the protest but was merely documenting it.
Senior Pastor Jonathan Parnell called the protests “unacceptable,” emphasizing the shame in disrupting Christian worship services.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced on social media that the Civil Rights Division is investigating possible violations of the federal FACE Act, aimed at safeguarding houses of worship and their congregants from disruptions.
The FACE Act, which was established in 1994, prohibits the use or threat of force and any obstruction that intimidates those seeking to receive or offer healthcare services or practice their religious rights. Although intended to protect clinics and churches alike, data suggests that 97% of FACE Act-related lawsuits since its inception have targeted pro-life groups.
The Biden administration has overseen more than a quarter of all FACE Act prosecutions, with the DOJ fervently pursuing cases against pro-life advocates since the 2022 Supreme Court decision that reversed the constitutional right to abortion. Following the leak of this decision, churches and pro-life centers reportedly experienced over 100 attacks, ranging from vandalism to incendiary bombings.
In some instances, the Justice Department may seek to apply a “conspiracy against rights” charge, known as the “KKK statute,” which could increase potential prison sentences. Some activists faced up to 11 years for protesting against abortion, though former President Trump granted clemency to more than 20 of them during his final term.
This Conspiracy Against Rights Act, passed in 1870 after the Civil War, aimed to combat racial violence perpetrated by the Ku Klux Klan against African Americans exercising their voting rights and holding public office. The law makes it illegal for two or more individuals to conspire to intimidate anyone in the exercise of any constitutionally guaranteed right.
“We’re committed to pursuing charges here. I notice various crimes occurring—what they specifically are remains to be seen, but the FACE Act is certainly relevant. Previously, the Biden Justice Department included Klan Act charges alongside the FACE Act for protests at abortion clinics to secure lengthier sentences,” Dillon commented in an interview.
She added, “We have various tools at our disposal. Who funded this? Were there any other crimes? Did anyone cross state lines?” These questions are critical as the investigation progresses.
Dillon also mentioned the possibility of indicting Lemon due to his involvement. Lemon, however, has denied any role in orchestrating the protests.
“Some participants openly admitted their intentions, and Lemon indicated he knew what would happen inside. He recorded it and then framed his actions as journalism—trying to distance himself from any criminal conspiracy,” Dillon stated.
She reiterated, “We’re encountering numerous issues and are piecing together facts, but this matter is serious.”
“Looking ahead to next Sunday, nobody in the U.S. should believe they can act with impunity. Those involved in protests need to realize the federal government is preparing to intervene decisively to ensure this doesn’t occur,” she said.
