Leftist Anti-ICE Mob Invades Sunday Service

(NationalFreedomPress.com) – A mob attack on a Minnesota church by anti-ICE protesters raises concerns about religious freedom and civil rights.

Story Highlights

Anti-ICE protesters stormed Cities Church during a Sunday service.
The protest was linked to the church’s pastor’s alleged ties to ICE.
The incident has sparked a federal investigation into civil rights violations.
Federal authorities emphasize protection of religious spaces.

Anti-ICE Protesters Target Minnesota Church

On January 18, 2026, Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, became the center of controversy when anti-ICE protesters interrupted a Sunday worship service. The demonstrators, chanting slogans such as “Justice for Renee Good” and “ICE out,” targeted the church due to allegations that Pastor David Easterwood also serves as the acting director of ICE’s St. Paul field office. This protest highlights a disturbing trend of targeting religious institutions in political demonstrations.

The Trump administration swiftly condemned the disruption, declaring it a breach of civil rights and religious freedom. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has since launched a formal investigation into the incident to determine whether federal laws, such as the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, were violated. This federal action underscores the administration’s commitment to safeguarding religious spaces from political protests.

The Broader Context of Immigration Enforcement

The protest at Cities Church is part of a larger backdrop of intensified federal immigration enforcement under President Trump’s second term. In early January 2026, the Department of Homeland Security rescinded a Biden-era policy that shielded certain areas, including churches and schools, from immigration raids. This policy change has led to increased tensions between federal authorities and local communities, particularly in regions like Minneapolis-St. Paul.

The tragic shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a Minneapolis resident, by an ICE agent earlier this month has fueled these tensions, sparking widespread protests across the area. Demonstrators argue that ICE’s tactics disproportionately target Latino and Somali communities, raising concerns about ethnic profiling and the safety of residents.

Federal and Local Perspectives Clash

Federal and local perspectives on the church disruption illustrate the deep divide over immigration enforcement policies. While federal authorities view the protest as an attack on religious freedom, local leaders and activists see it as a necessary stance against what they perceive as draconian ICE measures. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has publicly defended the protesters, characterizing the federal crackdown as terrorizing local communities.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Cities Church has remained silent, issuing no public statement on the incident. The dual identity of David Easterwood as both a pastor and ICE official remains unconfirmed by ICE, though evidence suggests a connection. As the investigation unfolds, it could set significant legal precedents regarding the application of the FACE Act to protests in religious settings.