In a significant development on January 22, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the arrests of three individuals allegedly involved in the disruption of a worship service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. The incident, which occurred on January 18, has sparked widespread debate over free speech, religious freedom, and the role of journalists in protests.
The protest stemmed from outrage over a recent fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, by an ICE officer in Minneapolis earlier this month. Demonstrators targeted Cities Church after learning that one of its pastors, David Eastwood, serves as the acting field office director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota. A group of protesters entered the church during Sunday services, chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” effectively halting the worship and causing distress among congregants, including families with children.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, appointed under the Trump administration, took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the arrests. “Minutes ago at my direction, HSI and FBI agents executed an arrest in Minnesota. So far, we have arrested Nekima Levy Armstrong, who allegedly played a key role in organizing the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota,” Bondi posted. She followed up with announcements of the arrests of Chauntyll Louisa Allen, a St. Paul Public Schools Board member and local Black Lives Matter organizer, and William Kelly, described by officials as a prominent agitator who had publicly dared the DOJ to arrest him.
The arrests were carried out by agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI. The individuals face charges including conspiracy to deprive rights under the U.S. Constitution and potential violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits interference with religious worship. Bondi emphasized a zero-tolerance stance, stating, “Listen loud and clear: WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP.” FBI Director Kash Patel also confirmed Kelly’s arrest, noting it as the third in connection with the incident.
The DOJ’s swift action follows a civil rights investigation launched immediately after the protest. Officials have hinted that more arrests could follow, with Bondi and others suggesting the probe is ongoing. The arrests have been praised by conservative figures and religious freedom advocates, who view the church disruption as an assault on First Amendment rights. However, critics, including civil rights groups, argue the protest was a legitimate exercise of free speech against immigration enforcement practices.
A notable point of contention is the involvement of journalist Don Lemon, formerly of CNN. Lemon was present at the protest, livestreaming the events as an independent reporter. The DOJ sought to charge him with conspiracy-related offenses, alleging he was embedded in the demonstration and contributed to the intimidation of worshippers. However, U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas Micko in Minnesota refused to sign off on the complaint against Lemon, a decision that reportedly “enraged” Attorney General Bondi. Sources familiar with the matter described the rejection as highly unusual, emphasizing that charging journalists for covering events is rare and could raise First Amendment concerns.
While the judge approved charges against Armstrong, Allen, and Kelly, Lemon remains free from prosecution at this stage. Prosecutors could potentially revisit the case or appeal, but no further actions have been announced. Lemon has not publicly commented on the matter, but his presence has fueled discussions about press freedoms under the current administration.
The incident unfolded amid Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Minnesota, adding a layer of political scrutiny. Supporters of the arrests argue they send a strong message against disruptions to religious services, while opponents see it as selective enforcement targeting progressive activists. As the investigation continues, this case highlights ongoing tensions between immigration policy, protest rights, and protections for places of worship.
SOURCES:
FBI arrests Minnesota agitator who organized storming of St. Paul church | Fox News
3 people involved in Minnesota church protest arrested; judge rejects charges against journalist | KNKX Public Radio
Pam Bondi Announces Arrests in Storming of Minnesota Church, Hints More Are Coming
Judge rejects Trump DOJ bid to charge Don Lemon over Minnesota church storming
