Federal Authorities Arrest 25 in Connection to Anti-ICE Demonstration at Minnesota Church

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Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced the arrest of 25 individuals in connection to the recent attack on Cities Church, which was targeted by anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protestors last month.

“Today, the Justice Department has unveiled an indictment against 30 individuals involved in the assault on Cities Church in Minnesota,” Bondi stated on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “Federal agents, acting on my directive, have already apprehended 25 of these suspects, with additional arrests anticipated throughout the day.”

Bondi emphasized the seriousness of the crime, asserting, “You cannot attack a place of worship. If you do, you cannot evade us — we will locate you, detain you, and bring you to justice. This Department of Justice stands firmly with Christians and all people of faith in America.”

The incident involved anti-ICE protestors disrupting services at Cities Church in Minnesota. The event was documented by Black Lives Matter Minnesota and reported through The Associated Press.

FBI Director Kash Patel commented on the arrests, stating, “Today’s enforcement of the FACE Act, in collaboration with our federal partners, underscores the FBI’s zero-tolerance policy for those who target, assault, or intimidate Americans exercising their right to worship freely.”

Patel continued, “So far, 39 individuals have been indicted for their involvement in the January 18th incident at Cities Church, with several arrests, including that of Don Lemon, made last month. We extend our gratitude to the FBI Minneapolis team for their exceptional efforts, alongside our HSI partners and Attorney General Bondi’s Department of Justice, for their relentless pursuit of justice.”

A general view of Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Jan. 30. Journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort were arrested by federal agents in connection with their coverage of a protest staged at the church during a Jan. 18 service. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

On Jan. 18, several anti-ICE agitators stormed Cities Church to protest federal immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis. 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.

The Trump administration quickly took action and launched a probe into the matter, saying the incident was a violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. Several arrests have been made since the federal probe was opened.

Anti-ICE protesters inside the Cities Church in Minneapolis. (Facebook/DawokeFarmer2)

The highest profile arrest was former CNN anchor Don Lemon, who allegedly followed the agitators into the church and spoke with the pastor. Lemon appeared to be speaking to Cities Church lead pastor Jonathan Parnell, as per an image on the church’s website.

“This is unacceptable, it’s shameful. It’s shameful to interrupt a public gathering of Christians in worship,” the pastor said when Lemon asked for his reaction to the crowd storming the church. “I have to take care of my flock.”

Lemon was charged with conspiracy to deprive religious freedom rights and a violation of the FACE Act. He was arraigned on Feb. 13 and pleaded not guilty.