AG Bondi Announces Arrests in Church Protest
- Rex Ballard
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
In a swift move underscoring the Trump administration's commitment to protecting religious freedoms, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced the arrests of three prominent activists linked to the disruption of a worship service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. The incident, which occurred on January 18, 2026, has ignited debates over protest tactics, immigration enforcement, and civil rights, drawing sharp reactions from officials, commentators, and the public.
The arrests come amid escalating protests against federal immigration operations in the Twin Cities, fueled by the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent. Bondi described the church disruption as a "coordinated attack" on a place of worship, vowing that such actions would not be tolerated. Federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI executed the arrests, charging the individuals under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and related federal statutes, including 18 U.S.C. § 241 for conspiracy to deprive rights.
The Incident at Cities Church
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, approximately 30 to 40 protesters affiliated with groups like the Racial Justice Network and Black Lives Matter Twin Cities entered Cities Church during its morning service. Chanting slogans such as "ICE out" and "Justice for Renee Good," they confronted congregants and church leaders, creating chaos that frightened children and disrupted the worship. Videos captured the scene, showing protesters marching through the sanctuary and engaging in heated exchanges before police arrived.
The protest targeted Pastor David Easterwood, who serves dual roles as the church's pastor and the acting field office director for ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations in St. Paul. Activists argued that Easterwood's ICE position creates a moral conflict, especially amid "Operation Metro Surge," an intensified federal immigration crackdown in the area. Protesters demanded his resignation, viewing his roles as incompatible with pastoral duties in a community grappling with fears of raids and deportations.
Church leaders condemned the action as "shameful and intimidating," emphasizing the violation of a sacred space. In a statement, Lead Pastor Jonathan Parnell highlighted how the disruption affected families and worshippers, prompting the church to consult legal counsel. The U.S. Department of Justice quickly launched an investigation, citing potential FACE Act violations, which prohibit interference with religious exercise through force, threats, or obstruction.
For visual context, footage of the disruption can be seen in this YouTube video from WCCO - CBS Minnesota, showing the moments protesters entered the sanctuary:
Additional coverage from KSTP 5 Eyewitness News details the church's response and legal considerations:
The Arrested Activists
The first arrest announced was that of Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights attorney, former Minneapolis NAACP president, and founder of the Racial Justice Network. Armstrong, a prominent figure in local activism, allegedly played a central role in organizing the protest. She faces charges under the FACE Act and conspiracy statutes. Armstrong is also a Christian preacher who has argued that ICE's actions contradict gospel teachings, adding a layer of irony to federal claims of an "anti-Christian" attack.
Shortly after, Bondi confirmed the arrest of Chauntyll Louisa Allen (also referred to as Shantel in some reports), a St. Paul School Board member and co-founder of Black Lives Matter Twin Cities. Allen is charged with conspiracy to deprive rights for her coordinating role.
A third arrest followed: William Kelly, an anti-ICE agitator known online as "DaWokeFarmer," who had publicly dared authorities to detain him. Kelly, who posted videos taunting Bondi and defending the protest, was taken into custody later in the day. Bondi stated, "Our nation was settled and founded by people fleeing religious persecution. Religious freedom is the bedrock of this country. We will protect our pastors. We will protect our churches. We will protect Americans of faith."
FBI Director Kash Patel echoed this, announcing Armstrong's arrest and promising more updates. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem also weighed in, charging Armstrong under 18 U.S.C. § 241 and emphasizing, "There is no first amendment right to obstruct someone from practicing their religion."
Broader Context and Reactions
The arrests highlight deep divisions over immigration enforcement in Minnesota, where "Operation Metro Surge" has intensified raids and deportations. Critics of ICE point to the Renee Good shooting as a catalyst for protests, while supporters argue the church disruption crossed into unlawful territory.
Public reactions on X (formerly Twitter) have been polarized. Fox News reported the arrests with the headline "BREAKING: Minnesota agitator Nekima Levy Armstrong arrested in wake of church invasion, Bondi says." CBS News noted Armstrong's connection to the protest at the church led by an ICE official.
Conservative voices praised the action. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer commended the administration for restoring law and order. Users like @JackPosobiec called to "ROUND THEM UP," while others demanded arrests of figures like Don Lemon, who was embedded with protesters and livestreamed the event.
Critics decried the arrests as excessive. One protester, in a viral meltdown captured by Collin Rugg, called for shutting down the country, declaring "We are at fascism. The Republic has f*cking fallen." This sentiment was echoed in posts urging street action.
Christian leaders condemned the disruption, calling it an assault on religious freedom. A participant in the protest told reporters things "intensified quickly," defending the action as a call for accountability.
Lemon, however, dodged federal charges after a magistrate judge rejected the DOJ's bid, enraging Bondi. TMZ reported on this development, noting prosecutors may pursue other avenues.
Critics decried the arrests as excessive. One protester, in a viral meltdown captured by Collin Rugg, called for shutting down the country, declaring "We are at fascism. The Republic has f*cking fallen." This sentiment was echoed in posts urging street action.
Christian leaders condemned the disruption, calling it an assault on religious freedom. A participant in the protest told reporters things "intensified quickly," defending the action as a call for accountability.
Ongoing Developments
Bondi indicated more arrests could follow, with federal authorities exploring further charges. The case underscores the administration's use of the FACE Act—previously applied to abortion clinic protests—to protect religious sites.
This incident reflects broader national divides, with immigration enforcement clashing against activism in unexpected venues like houses of worship. As the investigation unfolds, it may set precedents for handling protests in sensitive spaces.
Sources:
News Articles
The Hill: "Leader of Minnesota church service disruption arrested, Bondi says" - Link
The Washington Post: "Justice Department announces arrests of St. Paul church protesters" - Link
KSTP (ABC Affiliate): "AG Bondi announces arrests connected to anti-ICE protest at St. Paul church" - Link
Associated Press: "3 people involved in a Minnesota church protest are arrested, as judge refuses to charge Don Lemon" - Link
KOMO News: "Attorney General Bondi declares crackdown on church protestors with two anti-ICE arrests" - Link
X Posts
AG Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi): Initial arrest announcement for Nekima Levy Armstrong - Link
AG Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi): Update on Chauntyll Louisa Allen's arrest - Link
FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash): Confirmation of Nekima Levy Armstrong's arrest under FACE Act - Link
CBS News (@CBSNews): Report on arrests connected to church led by ICE official - Link
Fox News (@FoxNews): Breaking news on Nekima Levy Armstrong's arrest - Link
Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg): Video of protester's reaction to arrests - Link (Note: References the requested post ID 2014384605806112970 as a reply)
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