DOJ charges 30 more people in Minnesota anti-ICE church protest

The Department of Justice has charged 30 more people in connection with an anti-ICE protest that took place at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, last month. The charges include conspiracy against religious freedom and interfering with religious practices. The protest, which involved approximately 40 individuals, disrupted a church service with chants of "ICE out" and "Justice for Renee Good," referencing a recent ICE shooting. Former CNN anchor Don Lemon, previously arrested and charged in the same incident, has pleaded not guilty to similar charges. Authorities allege the protesters engaged in a coordinated takeover-style attack, intimidating and obstructing the congregation. The DOJ emphasizes its commitment to protecting religious freedom and prosecuting those who attack houses of worship.

In 2026, the Trump administration expanded its prosecution of protesters involved in a January demonstration at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, increasing the number of those charged from nine to 39. The protest was a response to Trump's immigration surge in Minnesota, but the administration is framing it as an attack on religious freedom. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the expanded indictment, stating that federal agents have arrested 25 of the 30 newly charged individuals. Defendants, including journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, claim they were present in their professional capacity and deny participating in the protest, raising concerns about freedom of the press. The indictment accuses the 39 defendants of conspiracy.