Dozens of anti-ICE protesters won't face state charges for storming Minnesota church service, prosecutor says
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Dozens of protesters, including former CNN journalist Don Lemon, will not face state criminal charges after disrupting a church service in Minnesota this past January. Church leaders have criticized this decision, arguing it essentially allows activists to interfere with religious services without repercussions.

St. Paul City Attorney Irene Kao announced on Wednesday that her office has chosen not to file charges, stating that the evidence on hand does not support prosecution according to Minnesota law.

“After thoroughly reviewing the video footage, investigative reports, and other materials, prosecutors concluded that the evidence currently available does not meet the legal threshold required for criminal charges under Minnesota state statutes,” said Kao in a statement.

Meanwhile, federal prosecutors have filed civil rights violation charges against 39 individuals, including Lemon and another independent journalist, related to the disruption. These federal cases are still ongoing.

The incident occurred on January 19, 2026, when activists interrupted a service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, accusing the pastor of collaborating with ICE.

The decision by the city prosecutor has been met with strong disapproval from Cities Church leaders. The demonstrators disrupted the worship service on January 18 as a protest against federal immigration enforcement activities in Minneapolis.

“According to the St. Paul City Attorney’s logic, it is perfectly fine for agitators to invade a mosque, a cathedral, or a temple, intimidate the families and children inside, and shut down their religious gathering. Just call it a ‘protest,’” lead pastor Jonathan Parnell said.

Journalist Don Lemon exits the U.S. District Courthouse in St. Paul, Minn., on Feb. 13, 2026. (Tom Baker/AP)

The protest targeted the church after activists learned that one of its pastors also served as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official involved in a major federal enforcement operation in Minnesota. The agitators were heard in videos chanting “Justice for Renee Good,” referencing the fatal shooting of the 37-year-old at the hands of federal agents.

Kao stressed that the decision not to file state charges “should not be interpreted as an endorsement of unlawful behavior or public disorder.”

Anti-ICE agitators storm Cities Church in Minnesota during service

Anti-ICE agitators stormed Cities Church in Minnesota, disrupting services in January 2026. (Black Lives Matter Minnesota/The Associated Press)

“The right to peacefully protest is protected, as is the right to exercise one’s religious beliefs,” she said. “Balancing these equally important rights is paramount to our decision today.”

Kao noted that the demonstration did not involve violence, property damage or threats to public safety. Attorneys representing the church argued that the absence of broken windows or vandalism does not mean no laws were broken.

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