Anti-ICE Protesters Disrupt Worship Service at St. Paul Church Over Pastor’s Alleged ICE Ties
ST. PAUL, Minn. — A group of anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protesters stormed Cities Church in St. Paul during Sunday worship, disrupting the service with chants and accusations that one of the church’s pastors is affiliated with ICE. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, has sparked alarm among local law enforcement and religious leaders amid a rising wave of anti-ICE demonstrations across the Twin Cities.
As the service began, agitators entered the sanctuary and began chanting slogans such as “Justice for Renee Good” and “Who needs justice, we need justice,” referring to a case that has galvanized some activists. The demonstrators positioned themselves in the center of the sanctuary, effectively interrupting the pastor’s sermon and unsettling parishioners gathered for worship.
The disruption at Cities Church is part of a broader pattern of protests targeting institutions and individuals perceived to have connections to immigration enforcement. According to reports, the protesters alleged that a pastor at the church maintains ties to ICE, a claim that has not been independently verified but has fueled the fervor of the demonstrators.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has faced increasing scrutiny and opposition in Minnesota, where activists have organized protests and occupations of public spaces to challenge immigration enforcement policies. These actions have sometimes escalated into confrontations with law enforcement, as seen in recent weeks.
Local authorities have expressed concern about the targeting of religious institutions, emphasizing the importance of protecting places of worship from disruptions that infringe on the right to peaceful assembly and free exercise of religion. The Minnesota State Patrol and St. Paul Police Department conducted patrols in the area following the incident to ensure public safety and prevent further disturbances.
The incident also highlights the complex dynamics surrounding immigration enforcement in the region. Minnesota has been a focal point for debates over immigration policy, with some community members advocating for sanctuary policies and others supporting federal enforcement efforts. The Department of Homeland Security continues to monitor immigration trends and enforcement actions nationwide, including in states like Minnesota.
Religious leaders across the state have condemned the disruption, calling for dialogue and peaceful engagement rather than confrontational protests inside sacred spaces. “Churches are meant to be places of refuge and reflection,” one local clergy member said. “Using them as battlegrounds undermines the very values we seek to uphold.”
Meanwhile, the Border Patrol chief recently addressed the escalating tensions, warning that some anti-ICE groups appear intent on sowing anarchy rather than engaging in constructive debate. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has reported increased challenges in maintaining order during protests and has coordinated with local law enforcement to manage demonstrations.
As the debate over immigration enforcement continues to roil Minnesota, the incident at Cities Church serves as a stark reminder of the deep divisions and heightened emotions surrounding the issue. It also raises questions about how communities can balance activism with respect for institutions and individuals, particularly in spaces traditionally dedicated to worship and community gathering.
The church and local officials have not released further statements regarding any ongoing investigations or security measures, but the event has undoubtedly intensified discussions about immigration enforcement and civil protest in the region. For now, parishioners at Cities Church are left to grapple with the disruption of their sacred space and the broader societal conflicts it reflects.
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