DOJ Continues Investigation Ice Protestors Invading Church
The U.S. Department of Justice is ramping up its investigation of the invasion of a Minnesota church service on Sunday by anti-ICE protesters. Dozens of people stormed Cities Church because they believed one of the pastors was the acting director of ICE’s St. Paul field office.
The incident shocked the public and may have solidified support behind the government’s crackdown on illegal immigration. DOJ officials have said the attack specifically targeted Christians and violated several federal laws.
Even CNN’s legal commentator agreed. US News and World Report’s Stacey Schneider told the outlet the protesters are “in trouble,” continuing that “If you interfere or physically obstruct another person’s First Amendment right to exercise their freedom of practicing their religion, it is a federal crime.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement that “Attacks against law enforcement and the intimidation of Christians are being met with the full force of federal law. If state leaders 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.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also condemned the attack in a statement on social media. Footage of the event showed a screaming crowd disrupting the church service and confronting the pastor at the front. A video showing at least one sobbing child went viral on social media and church members said agitators followed them into the parking lot as they attempted to leave the scene, with some surrounding vehicles and trying to block them from exiting.
Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for civil rights, said she and her team are “hard at work” investigating the incident. “We will not rest until we are able to deliver justice,” she said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has defended anti-ICE protesters, pushing back on federal officials who have described the demonstrations as dangerous or lawless and rejecting claims that state and local leaders are responsible for fueling unrest. Appearing on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday, he rejected the Trump administration’s characterization of the immigration crackdown in Minnesota, arguing the surge of federal agents has made residents feel targeted rather than protected.
“This is not about safety,” he said. “What this is about is coming into our city by the thousands and terrorizing people simply because they’re Latino or Somali. People in Minneapolis are speaking up. They’re speaking up peacefully. They’re standing up for their neighbors. And this is not just about resisting Trump. This is about loving and caring for the people that call this city home. And it’s been inspiring.”
Also participating was former CNN anchor Don Lemon.
Hundreds of pastors nationally have spoken out, including pastors from traditionally liberal denominations. The media has downplayed the incident but some are asking how the incident would have been reported if it were a mosque with anti-immigration protesters invading and traumatizing its worshippers.
–Alan Goforth
