Federal Authorities Arrest Activist Nekima Levy Armstrong and Others After Minnesota Church Protest

Federal agents have arrested prominent civil rights activist Nekima Levy Armstrong and two others following a controversial protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota. The protests, which targeted a local pastor who also serves as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official, drew national attention and prompted a swift federal response.

According to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Armstrong was taken into custody Thursday for her alleged role in organizing and leading the demonstration at Cities Church, where one of the pastors reportedly directs ICE operations in the region. Alongside Armstrong, Chauntyll Louisa Allen and William Kelly were also arrested by Homeland Security and FBI agents.

The protest took place during a Sunday service, when demonstrators entered the church and chanted phrases such as “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” referring to a Black mother who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis earlier this month. The disruption to worship services prompted a fast-moving civil rights investigation by the Justice Department.

Federal officials stated the arrests relate to alleged obstruction of a place of worship and interference with constitutionally protected activities — serious federal offenses under U.S. law. The Department of Justice emphasized its commitment to protecting houses of worship, with Bondi posting on social media that attacks on religious spaces would not be tolerated.

Armstrong, a longtime attorney and activist with a history of involvement in civil rights causes, has previously led protests in Minnesota on issues including police violence and racial justice. Legal documents indicate that the charges against her and her co-defendants stem from their involvement in the demonstration rather than from earlier activism.

The arrests have ignited debate nationwide over the balance between protest rights and the protection of religious services. Supporters of Armstrong have criticized the federal response, while church representatives and federal officials have defended the enforcement actions.

A magistrate judge recently rejected attempts to charge journalist Don Lemon — who livestreamed the protest — citing First Amendment protections, underscoring the complex legal issues surrounding the case.

As the legal process unfolds, the case continues to draw intense scrutiny from both supporters and critics, highlighting ongoing tensions over immigration policy, civil liberties, and the role of peaceful protest in American society.