Alina Haba, a Senior Counsel at the Department of Justice (DOJ), has stated that the agency will investigate “everyone” involved in the recent anti-ICE protests in Minnesota. This comes after a group disrupted a church service at Cities Church in St. Paul on Sunday, mistakenly thinking that one of the pastors was linked to ICE’s local field office.
Haba highlighted the FACE Act, a federal law designed to protect places of worship from force, intimidation, and obstruction. During an appearance on “Fox & Friends,” she emphasized that violations of this law carry criminal penalties.
When pressed about whether the DOJ would look into the actions of protesters, city officials, or state leaders, Haba insisted that all parties involved would face scrutiny, referencing the FACE Act of 1994 that safeguards individuals’ rights to religious freedom and access to health services.
She also mentioned that Attorney General Pam Bondi would firmly denounce any actions aimed at intimidating worshippers, police, or ICE officers. “That kind of disruption won’t take place under this administration,” Haba asserted.
Additionally, investigations will include whether external funding supported these protests. Haba noted, “If you’re involved in financing protests that hinder people’s ability to attend church, the DOJ will take action against that.” There’s a clear commitment here to uphold the law, even if it might complicate things for some activists.
