St. Paul, Minnesota – January 19, 2026 — In a dramatic escalation of tensions surrounding recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota, anti-ICE protesters interrupted a Sunday service at Cities Church in St. Paul, accusing one of its pastors of holding a leadership role in the local ICE field office.
The demonstrators, chanting slogans like “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” entered the sanctuary during the morning worship service, halting proceedings and prompting an exodus of congregants. The protest targeted Pastor David Easterwood, whom activists claim serves as the acting director of ICE’s St. Paul field office, overseeing enforcement actions that have sparked widespread controversy in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area.
Protesters, organized by groups including Black Lives Matter Minnesota and the Racial Justice Network, alleged that Easterwood’s dual roles represent a conflict between his pastoral duties and involvement in immigration raids they describe as terrorizing local communities.
Video footage from the scene, including a livestream shared by organizers, showed dozens of activists standing in the aisles, holding signs, and demanding accountability.
“This will not stand—they cannot pretend to be a house of God while harboring someone who is commanding ICE agents to terrorize our communities,” said Nekima Levy Armstrong, a prominent civil rights activist, in an interview captured during the event.
The chants referenced Renee Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother fatally shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7 during an operation in Minneapolis. Good’s death has become a rallying cry for opponents of the raids, with protesters arguing it exemplifies excessive force against civilians.
Churchgoers expressed outrage over the intrusion, with one attendee telling reporters, “These people have come into our house and they’ve interrupted our worship. Everybody’s gone home—their point has been proven worthless.”
Another described feeling “violated, interrupted, and angry,” emphasizing that the protesters refused opportunities for peaceful dialogue.
Cities Church representatives have not confirmed Easterwood’s ICE affiliation but stated that the disruption violated the sanctity of their worship space.
The incident has drawn swift federal attention. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a probe into potential violations of religious freedoms under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which protects houses of worship from obstructive protests.
Attorney General Pam Bondi vowed prosecutions, stating, “We will not tolerate disruptions to religious services, and those responsible will face the full force of the law.”
Legal experts note that while protests are protected under the First Amendment, entering private property without permission could constitute trespassing or disorderly conduct under Minnesota law.
No arrests were reported immediately following the event, though investigations are ongoing.
The church disruption comes amid broader unrest triggered by ICE’s targeted arrests of criminal noncitizens, including convicted sex offenders, in the Twin Cities region.
These operations, part of a nationwide crackdown under the Trump administration, have led to daily protests, counter-demonstrations by far-right groups, and clashes in downtown Minneapolis.
Thousands have marched through neighborhoods, chanting anti-ICE slogans and establishing barricades to impede federal agents.
In response, Governor Tim Walz deployed the National Guard to maintain order, citing the need to protect public safety amid escalating violence.
Supporters of the ICE actions argue that the raids are necessary to remove dangerous individuals from communities, pointing to the arrest of undocumented immigrants with serious criminal records.
Critics, however, including local faith leaders and activists, contend that the operations have sown fear among immigrant populations and led to collateral incidents like Good’s shooting.
Reports of ICE agents detaining bystanders, including U.S. citizens, and using aggressive tactics—such as pointing guns at protesters—have fueled accusations of misconduct.
As Minneapolis remains a flashpoint, with ongoing demonstrations planned, community leaders from both sides are calling for de-escalation. “The people are not going to stop being in the streets,” one protester told reporters, highlighting the diverse coalition opposing the raids.
Meanwhile, federal officials maintain that enforcement will continue unabated, prioritizing public safety over protests.
This developing story reflects deep divisions over immigration policy in America, with Minnesota at the epicenter. Updates will follow as more details emerge.
