Anti‑ICE protesters interrupted a Sunday service at Cities Church in St. Paul, chanting "Justice for Renee Good" and accusing a pastor of ICE ties. The church said congregants — including children — were frightened and that the disruption was unlawful. The DOJ Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation into potential violations of the FACE Act, and reports say the FBI has been activated. Reactions split along ideological lines: some religious leaders condemned the invasion, while others described it as a form of divine judgment.
DOJ Investigates After Anti‑ICE Protesters Storm St. Paul Church; Some Clergy Call It 'Divine Judgment'
Anti-ICE protesters inside the Cities Church in Minneapolis.(Fox News)
Federal authorities have opened an inquiry after a group of anti‑ICE demonstrators disrupted a Sunday service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, chanting "Justice for Renee Good" and accusing a pastor inside of ties to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Video circulating online captured protesters entering the chapel and interrupting worship as congregants — including children — were reportedly frightened and jostled.
Cities Church issued a statement saying the "agitators jarringly disrupted" the service, accosted members of the congregation and created "a scene marked by intimidation and threat." Church leaders described the invasion as unlawful and said they are consulting legal counsel to determine next steps. The statement urged municipal, state and federal officials to protect houses of worship as places of peace and solace.
Anti-ICE protesters targeted the Cities Church in Minneapolis on Sunday, shouting down churchgoers in the middle of services.
Religious leaders reacted strongly. Kevin Ezell, president of the North American Mission Board (NAMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention, condemned the intrusion as "absurd" and rejected the idea that protesters have the right to enter private property to disrupt worship. Video from the scene shows former CNN anchor Don Lemon approaching the church's lead pastor, Jonathan Parnell, during the disturbance as part of on‑site coverage.
"No, they don’t have a right to enter private property & disrupt worship," Ezell wrote on X, adding that the NAMB would support churches' safety if elected officials fail to curb such incidents.
By contrast, some progressive clergy praised the demonstration. In an opinion piece, Louisiana pastor Rodney Kennedy described the action as a form of divine judgment on what he called "MAGA churches," accusing those congregations of promoting resentment, nativism and other harms. Kennedy likened the protest to a prophetic rebuke and suggested it could be "only round one."
An anti-ICE agitator berates Christians in a Minnesota church.
Federal Response: The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division announced on X that it is investigating potential violations of the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and is "considering and investigating other related crimes." Media reports indicated the FBI was activated to assist in the inquiry. The FACE Act, passed in 1994, makes it unlawful to use force, threats or obstruction to interfere with individuals at places of worship or health‑care facilities; violations can carry criminal penalties and civil liability.
The incident has heightened tensions in the community as religious and civic leaders debate how to balance the right to protest with the legal protections afforded to houses of worship. Cities Church and local officials are awaiting the DOJ inquiry's findings while considering civil or criminal options through their legal counsel.
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