Minnesota Church Protest 2 Arrests, Another Taken into Custody
Minnesota Church Protest Arrests intensified Thursday as prominent civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong and St. Paul School Board member Chauntyll Louisa Allen were taken into custody in connection with a protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota. Attorney General Pamela Bondi later said on X that a third activist, William Kelly, is “now in custody,” though federal officials have not confirmed the arrest.
This comes after activists disrupted a Sunday service at Cities Church, where a local official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) also serves as a pastor. The protest followed the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer earlier this month, an incident that has intensified scrutiny of ICE operations in the region. The update confirms the arrests of three protesters, giving us a clearer picture of the federal response to the incident.
Minnesota Church Protest: What Happened
On Thursday, January 22, federal agents arrested Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen for their roles in the protest at Cities Church. Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced the arrests on X and later said that a third activist, William Kelly, is “now in custody.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Levy Armstrong faces a federal charge, while FBI Director Kash Patel said Allen is charged under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which bars obstructing or intimidating a person seeking to participate in a service at a house of worship. Federal charging documents have not yet been released.
Minnesota Church Protest: Reactions
The arrests have prompted strong responses from government officials and community members.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi: In a post on X, Bondi wrote, “Listen loud and clear: WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP.”
- Vice President JD Vance: Speaking in Toledo, Ohio, en route to Minnesota, Vance said, “Just as you have the right to protest, they have a right to worship God as they choose. And when you interrupt that, that is a violation of the law.”
- Nekima Levy Armstrong: Before her arrest, Armstrong called the dual role of the pastor an ICE official a “fundamental moral conflict,” stating, “You cannot lead a congregation while directing an agency whose actions have cost lives and inflicted fear in our communities.”
- William Scott Kelly: Another activist involved in the protest, vowed to continue his activism. In an interview with Newsweek earlier this week, Kelly said, “I am not afraid.” Known online as “DaWokeFarmer,” Kelly criticized the church’s support of ICE, calling it contrary to Christian teachings, according to the Newsweek report.
What Happens Next
The case will now move through the federal legal system. Both Levy Armstrong and Allen face federal charges, and further legal proceedings are expected. The Department of Justice’s investigation into the protest is ongoing, and more details may be released as the case develops.
This story is still developing, and more updates are expected soon. We’ll continue tracking new details as they emerge.
FAQ SECTION
Q: What happened?
A: Two activists — Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen — were arrested on federal charges. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said on X that a third activist, William Kelly, is “now in custody,” though federal officials have not confirmed his arrest.
Q: When will more info be released?
A: More information is expected as the federal case against the two individuals proceeds. No specific timeline has been provided.
Q: Who confirmed the news?
A: Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrests, with further details provided by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel.
Q: Why is this significant?
A: The arrests mark a significant federal response to a protest targeting an ICE official’s church, raising questions about activism, religious freedom and civil rights.
