FBI ARRESTS Leaders: Church Invaders Fall To BONDI

FBI agent holding a gun behind the back.

Federal authorities arrested two far-left activists for storming a St. Paul church during worship services, marking a decisive stand against brazen attacks on religious freedom that left children traumatized and congregants intimidated.

Story Snapshot

FBI arrested Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen on January 22, 2026, for disrupting Sunday services at Cities Church in St. Paul
Dozens of anti-ICE protesters invaded the church on January 18, screaming slogans and targeting Pastor David Easterwood, who also serves as ICE St. Paul field office acting director
Both organizers face federal charges under the FACE Act for interfering with religious exercise, marking a significant expansion of protections for houses of worship
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized zero tolerance for attacks on worship sites, signaling the Trump administration’s commitment to defending First Amendment rights

Anti-ICE Mob Invades Sunday Worship Service

Dozens of anti-ICE protesters stormed Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 18, 2026, during Sunday morning services. The activists shouted slogans including “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good” while intimidating congregants, including frightened children. The disruption targeted Pastor David Easterwood, who serves dual roles as church pastor and acting director of the ICE St. Paul field office. Cities Church later condemned the invasion as “shameful, unlawful,” stating that such actions are “protected by neither the Christian Scriptures nor the laws of this nation.” This direct assault on religious freedom crossed a line that Americans hold sacred.

Swift Federal Response Under Trump Administration

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrests of Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen on January 22, 2026, just four days after the church invasion. FBI and Homeland Security Investigations agents executed the arrests at Bondi’s direction, charging both organizers under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act for interfering with religious exercise. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem had announced imminent arrests on January 20 during a Newsmax interview, declaring accountability for “violating the law.” The rapid response demonstrates the administration’s commitment to protecting houses of worship from radical activists who believe their political agenda justifies trampling constitutional rights.

Activist Backgrounds Reveal Far-Left Agenda

Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights lawyer and ordained reverend since 2016, leads the Racial Justice Network and maintains a history of far-left activism, including organizing Target boycotts over diversity, equity, and inclusion cuts. Armstrong posted on Facebook accusing Easterwood of a “conflict of interest” between his pastoral and ICE roles, apparently believing this justified invading a worship service. Chauntyll Louisa Allen serves as a St. Paul School Board member, raising concerns about radical ideology infiltrating educational institutions. Both activists defended their actions as necessary protest against immigration enforcement, demonstrating contempt for religious liberty when it conflicts with their political objectives.

FACE Act Protection Expands to Churches

Federal authorities charged the organizers under the FACE Act, historically used during the Biden administration against anti-abortion activists but now applied to protect religious services. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon signaled this expanded application addresses religious interference regardless of political motivation. This represents a watershed moment for protecting worship sites from activist mobs. The arrests occurred amid heightened immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities, where ICE operations against fraud prompted multiple protests. One agitator defended the church invasion as “what needed to be done,” revealing the dangerous mindset that political ends justify violating sacred spaces where families gather to worship.

The swift arrests send a clear message that the Trump administration will not tolerate attacks on religious freedom, regardless of activist motivations or political connections. With investigations ongoing and Bondi promising further updates, this case establishes precedent for defending churches against those who weaponize protest to intimidate believers. The frightened children and traumatized congregants at Cities Church deserve justice, and these arrests deliver it while protecting every American’s constitutional right to worship without fear of radical mobs storming through the doors.