MINNESOTA January 22, 2026 – In a swift escalation following a disruptive protest at a local church, federal agents have arrested three prominent activists accused of orchestrating an interruption of religious services, drawing sharp divisions over free speech, religious rights, and immigration enforcement.
The incident unfolded on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Cities Church in St. Paul, where approximately 30 to 40 protesters entered during a morning service. The group, organized by civil rights advocates, targeted Pastor David Eastwood, who also serves as the acting field office director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota. Protesters chanted against ICE policies and demanded Eastwood resign, citing a “fundamental moral conflict” between his pastoral role and involvement in immigration enforcement, which they argue violates gospel teachings on compassion.
The protest halted the service, prompting some congregants to leave amid the confrontation. No injuries were reported, and activists described the action as peaceful and nonviolent, aimed at highlighting perceived hypocrisy in the pastor’s dual roles. However, federal officials under the Trump administration framed it as a “coordinated attack” on a place of worship, invoking protections for religious freedom.
On Thursday, January 22, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrests of Nekima Levy Armstrong, a well-known civil rights attorney and former NAACP leader; Chauntyll Louisa Allen, a St. Paul school board member and co-founder of Black Lives Matter Twin Cities; and William Kelly, another activist involved in the demonstration. The operations were carried out by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and FBI agents. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem shared a photo of Armstrong’s arrest on X, stating she was charged under 18 U.S.C. § 241 for conspiracy to deprive individuals of their constitutional rights, specifically obstructing the free exercise of religion.
Armstrong’s attorney, Jordan Kushner, condemned the arrest as retaliation for a “peaceful nonviolent protest,” arguing it represents an overreach by the administration. Supporters rallied outside, with BLM Grassroots expressing pride in the activists’ work and vowing to protect them. Critics on the left, including commentators on X, labeled the charges as evidence of “fascism” and accused the White House of altering images to exaggerate the event.
Conversely, conservative voices celebrated the arrests as a necessary defense of religious liberties, with some calling for further charges against participants like journalist Don Lemon, who filmed the protest. A Minnesota magistrate judge rejected federal attempts to charge Lemon, enraging Bondi, though appeals may follow. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Kelly’s custody as the third arrest.
The case highlights ongoing tensions in Minnesota over immigration policies, amplified by the Trump administration’s aggressive enforcement stance. Protesters argue the action was protected speech against government overreach, while officials insist it violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act principles extended to houses of worship. As Vice President JD Vance visited the state amid the fallout, both sides braced for potential escalation, with calls for more arrests on one hand and protests against perceived authoritarianism on the other.
Life News Agency will continue monitoring developments in this case.
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