Protest Sparks DOJ Investigation at Minnesota Church

The Department of Justice is investigating a protest at a Minnesota church connected to a local ICE official. Protesters interrupted services, highlighting alleged injustices by ICE agents. The investigation has sparked debate over civil rights and governmental accountability.

The United States Department of Justice has launched an investigation following a disruptive protest at a church in Minnesota linked to a local ICE official. The protestors interrupted the service at Cities Church in St. Paul, prompting a federal probe into potential civil rights violations.

A video streamed on the Black Lives Matter Minnesota Facebook page showed demonstrators chanting slogans against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and demanding justice for Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent. They allege the church's pastor, David Easterwood, is also the ICE field office leader overseeing aggressive immigration enforcement actions.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon emphasized the legal protections of worship spaces, cautioning against desecrations and disruptions. Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated that any breach of federal law would be vigorously pursued. Meanwhile, civil rights leader Nekima Levy Armstrong criticized the DOJ's actions as missing the point of broader community grievances.

(With inputs from agencies.)