The Cities Church in St. Paul condemned a viral interruption of its Sunday service by anti‑ICE protesters who, the church says, accosted congregants and frightened children. Pastor Jonathan Parnell called the disruption "shameful" and "unlawful" and said the church is consulting legal counsel. Attorney General Pam Bondi said federal authorities would review the matter. Church leaders urged officials to protect houses of worship while noting they remain open to respectful public dialogue.
St. Paul Pastor Denounces Disruption As 'Shameful And Unlawful' After Anti‑ICE Protesters Interrupt Service
Anti-ICE agitators targeted the Cities Church in Minneapolis on Sunday, shouting down churchgoers in the middle of services. Cities Church pastor Jonathan Parnell condemned the agitators in a statement on Tuesday.(Fox News)
The Cities Church in St. Paul released a statement Tuesday condemning a chaotic interruption of its Sunday worship service by anti‑ICE protesters. The incident, captured on video and widely shared online, began after demonstrators alleged the pastor had cooperated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
What Happened
According to church leaders and eyewitnesses, protesters entered the sanctuary during the service, shouted anti‑ICE slogans, confronted congregants and — the church says — "accosted members of our congregation, frightened children, and created a scene marked by intimidation and threat." The disruption prompted strong reactions from parishioners and has led the church to consult legal counsel about next steps.
Cities Church is seen in St. Paul, Minn. where anti-ICE agitators shut down a service claiming the pastor was also working as an ICE agent, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 in St. Paul, Minn.
"Such conduct is shameful, unlawful, and will not be tolerated," Pastor Jonathan Parnell said in a statement posted to the church website. "Invading a church service to disrupt the worship of Jesus — or any other act of worship — is protected by neither the Christian Scriptures nor the laws of this nation."
Response And Context
In a widely circulated clip, a demonstrator moves through the service and declares, "all these pretend Christians, all these comfortable White people… are living lavish, comfortable lives, while children are dragged into concentration camps," later telling worshipers, "You are a fake Christian. You're sinners." Church leaders and local Christian figures condemned the behavior as intimidating and inappropriate for a place of worship.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said she had spoken with Pastor Parnell and warned that "attacks against law enforcement and the intimidation of Christians are being met with the full force of federal law." She added that if state officials "refuse to act responsibly to prevent lawlessness, this Department of Justice will remain mobilized to prosecute federal crimes and ensure that the rule of law prevails."
Parnell emphasized that the church welcomes respectful, constructive conversations about public issues but maintains that worship spaces must remain safe and peaceful. The church is evaluating legal options and has called on local, state and national leaders to protect the fundamental right to worship without disruption.
Help us improve.
