Federal Agents Arrest Three More in Minnesota Church Storming Case
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Federal authorities have arrested three additional individuals in connection with the January 18 storming of Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, an incident that disrupted a religious service and drew national attention. The arrests come shortly after former CNN anchor Don Lemon was taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation into the anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced early Friday that, under her direction, federal agents arrested Don Lemon along with Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy. The coordinated action targeted the group responsible for the disruption at the church, which authorities describe as a “coordinated attack” involving approximately 30 to 40 agitators.
According to an affidavit obtained by Fox News from a Homeland Security Investigations special agent, the group entered Cities Church during a religious service, engaging in conduct that “disrupted the religious service and intimidated, harassed, oppressed” attendees. The protest was reportedly aimed at opposing ICE operations, reflecting broader tensions surrounding immigration enforcement.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has been at the center of numerous protests nationwide, with some demonstrations escalating into confrontations. This particular incident in St. Paul has prompted a robust federal response, underscoring the seriousness with which authorities are treating disruptions of protected religious gatherings.
Attorney General Bondi emphasized that more details about the arrests and the ongoing investigation would be released soon, signaling that the case remains active. The arrests highlight the federal government’s commitment to enforcing laws against coordinated acts of intimidation and disruption, especially those that interfere with religious freedoms.
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Homeland Security Investigations, has been instrumental in coordinating the federal response. Their involvement reflects the intersection of immigration enforcement and national security concerns.
Legal experts note that the case raises complex questions about the balance between the right to protest and the protection of religious services from disruption. The American Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy groups have historically defended the right to peaceful protest but have also condemned acts that cross into harassment or intimidation.
The incident at Cities Church is part of a broader national conversation about immigration policy and enforcement tactics. Minnesota has seen its share of activism related to ICE, with some groups organizing protests and shutdowns aimed at immigration enforcement facilities. Data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows that enforcement actions continue to be a flashpoint in communities across the country.
As the investigation unfolds, federal agents continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses to build a comprehensive case. The arrests of Crews, Fort, and Lundy alongside Lemon mark a significant development in holding accountable those involved in the church disruption. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in managing protests that intersect with sensitive issues such as immigration and religious freedom.
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