Federal Agents Arrest Anti-ICE Activists After Protest Disruption at Minnesota Church

What's happening

Federal authorities arrested two anti-ICE activists, Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen, following a disruption at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. The incident occurred during a protest against immigration enforcement, drawing significant attention due to the involvement of federal immigration agents and the location being a place of worship. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrests, emphasizing that Armstrong played a central role in organizing the event. Bondi underscored the seriousness of the matter by stating, "Listen loud and clear: WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP," signaling a firm stance against such disruptions.

The protest at Cities Church was part of a broader wave of anti-ICE demonstrations across Minnesota, where tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local opposition have been escalating. State leaders, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, have publicly criticized federal immigration policies, reflecting a divide between local and federal approaches. This discord has fueled debates about the appropriate balance between enforcing immigration laws and respecting community concerns, especially in states with sanctuary policies or more lenient stances on immigration.

Armstrong and Allen face charges under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, a federal law designed to protect access to places of worship and reproductive health clinics from obstruction and violence. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the charges, highlighting the difficulties federal agents encounter when conducting immigration operations amid local hostility. The arrests mark a rare federal response to protests that interfere with immigration enforcement, signaling a potential shift toward stricter consequences for activists who disrupt such operations, especially in sensitive locations like churches.

Nekima Levy Armstrong is a well-known activist with a history of involvement in social justice causes in Minneapolis. She previously led the Wayfinder Foundation, a nonprofit focused on poverty alleviation, during which time she reportedly earned over $1 million. The foundation received funding from groups including the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation. Armstrong’s past statements and actions have drawn controversy, including praise for a convicted cop killer, which critics cite as evidence of her radical views on law enforcement. Currently, she is the founder and CEO of a cannabis company called Dope Roots.

What's at stake

The financial management of the Wayfinder Foundation during Armstrong’s tenure has come under scrutiny, with reports indicating that approximately $700,052 in grants were disbursed. Questions have been raised about how effectively these funds were used to support the foundation’s mission. Armstrong’s role in organizing the protest at Cities Church has intensified public and legal attention on her activism, raising broader questions about the intersection of social justice advocacy and legal boundaries.

The incident has sparked wider discussions about the relationship between immigration enforcement and religious freedom. Places of worship have traditionally been considered protected spaces, and disruptions there raise concerns about the rights of congregants and the responsibilities of law enforcement to maintain order. Attorney General Bondi’s comments reflect a commitment to safeguarding these spaces while also addressing the challenges faced by federal agents enforcing immigration laws in politically charged environments.

In a related development, former CNN host Don Lemon was reportedly present during the church disruption and confronted the pastor about the protest. Although Lemon has not been arrested or charged, and a magistrate judge declined to approve a complaint for his arrest, Bondi criticized this decision. The Justice Department is reportedly exploring other ways to address Lemon’s conduct, which adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal and political fallout from the protest.

The arrests of Armstrong and Allen highlight the continuing national debate over immigration policy and the roles of federal and local authorities. While some local officials advocate for more lenient immigration practices and criticize federal enforcement, federal officials maintain that upholding immigration laws is essential. The situation in Minnesota serves as a microcosm of this broader conflict, illustrating the challenges of balancing enforcement with community relations and civil liberties.

Looking ahead, the legal proceedings against Armstrong and Allen will be closely watched as they may set precedents for how protests targeting immigration enforcement are handled, especially when they occur in sensitive locations like places of worship. Federal authorities have indicated that more arrests could follow as investigations continue. Observers will also be monitoring how local leaders respond to these developments and whether tensions between federal agents and communities in Minnesota will escalate or find a path toward dialogue.

Why it matters

The arrests highlight tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local opposition in Minnesota. Protecting places of worship from disruptions is a priority for federal authorities amid protests. The incident underscores the challenges federal agents face when enforcing immigration laws in politically charged environments.

The case raises questions about the balance between protest rights and legal boundaries in immigration enforcement. Local leaders’ criticism of federal policies contrasts with federal officials’ insistence on law enforcement. The involvement of high-profile activists adds complexity to the legal and political dynamics.

Future legal outcomes may influence how immigration enforcement protests are managed nationwide.

Key facts & context

Two anti-ICE activists, Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen, were arrested in St. Paul, Minnesota. The arrests followed a disruption at Cities Church during a protest against immigration enforcement. Charges include violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.

Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly announced the arrests and condemned attacks on places of worship. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the charges and noted challenges faced by federal agents. Armstrong previously led the Wayfinder Foundation and earned over $1 million during her tenure.

The Wayfinder Foundation received funding from organizations like the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation. Armstrong is currently CEO of a cannabis company called Dope Roots. Former CNN host Don Lemon was present during the protest but has not been charged.

Local Minnesota leaders, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, have criticized federal immigration policies. The incident is part of broader national debates over immigration enforcement and local versus federal authority. Federal officials have indicated that additional arrests may occur as investigations proceed.

Timeline & key developments

2026-01-22: Federal Agents Arrest Anti-ICE Activists Following Church Incident in Minnesota. Additional reporting on this topic is available in our broader archive and will continue to shape this timeline as new developments emerge.

Primary sources

• uscis.gov document

Further reading & references

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