US Charges 30 More in Minnesota Church Protest Over ICE, Total Now 39
The Trump administration announced on Friday that it has filed fresh federal charges against 30 additional individuals alleged to have participated in storming Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, during an anti-ICE protest on January 18. This expansion significantly escalates the legal response to the incident, which has sparked national debate over religious freedom and protest rights.
Arrests and Prosecutions Underway
Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed that of those newly charged, 25 have already been arrested, with more arrests expected in the coming days. In a social media statement, Bondi strongly condemned the disruption of the worship service, labeling it an "attack on a house of worship." She issued a stern warning: "We will find you, arrest you, and prosecute you," emphasizing that the Justice Department "STANDS for Christians and all Americans of faith."
Details of the Expanded Indictment
The new charges bring the total number of individuals implicated in this case to 39. All are accused of conspiracy against religious freedom and interfering with the right to religious worship under federal law. The indictment describes the protest as a "coordinated takeover-style attack" that obstructed worshippers and frightened congregants, including children, during a Sunday service.
High-Profile Figures Among the Charged
Several notable independent journalists and activists are among those charged, including Don Lemon, Georgia Fort, and Nekima Levy Armstrong. All have pleaded not guilty to the civil-rights related charges, setting the stage for a potentially contentious legal battle that intersects with issues of free speech and press freedoms.
Background of the Cities Church Incident
Protesters entered Cities Church during a Sunday service, chanting against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and demanding accountability following federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota. The demonstration was reportedly triggered after activists learned that one of the church's pastors also serves as a local ICE official, highlighting the complex interplay between immigration policy and community tensions.
Political and Social Repercussions
This case has drawn widespread political attention, with conservative leaders and Department of Justice officials condemning the protest as an assault on religious liberty. Conversely, supporters of the demonstrators have raised questions about the limits of free speech and the protection of press freedoms, arguing that the charges may stifle legitimate dissent.
Broader Context in Minnesota
The development occurs amid broader tensions in Minnesota over federal immigration enforcement operations. Protests have been sparked by the deaths of civilians during ICE actions earlier this year, fueling ongoing debates about immigration policy, law enforcement, and civil rights in the state.
This article provides an in-depth look at the escalating legal and political fallout from the Cities Church protest, underscoring the national implications for religious freedom and protest dynamics in the United States.
