Saint Paul School Board Member Arrested After Anti-ICE Protest at Local Church Sparks Federal Inquiry
SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Chauntyll Allen, a member of the Saint Paul Board of Education and a prominent activist, was arrested last week after leading a group of protesters in storming a church service to confront a pastor reportedly working as an agent for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The incident has since triggered a federal investigation by the Department of Justice into the protest’s aggressive nature and potential civil rights violations.
Allen, known for her vocal support of Black Lives Matter causes, joined dozens of demonstrators who interrupted worship at a local church in Saint Paul. According to authorities, the group accused the pastor of collaborating with ICE, which has been a flashpoint in ongoing debates about immigration enforcement in Minnesota and nationwide. The pastor’s alleged role as an ICE operative intensified tensions, leading to a confrontation that law enforcement described as disruptive and unlawful.
Following the protest, Allen was one of three individuals taken into federal custody. The arrest drew sharp rebukes from state lawmakers, including Republican State Representative Elliott Engen of Lino Lakes. Engen criticized what he called the activist overreach of local school boards, asserting that their focus has shifted away from educational priorities toward political agitation. “Most of the school boards in the Twin Cities metro area, Ramsey and Hennepin County in particular, have become nothing other than activist boards,” Engen said in an interview. “They’re no longer about serving the school, making sure that the budget is balanced, kids are served, that the education gap is closed, because we have the largest in the nation.”
The controversy comes amid heightened scrutiny of immigration enforcement practices and the role of federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE in communities across the United States. Minnesota has seen several high-profile incidents involving ICE operations, some of which have sparked protests and political debate. The church invasion incident adds to the complex dialogue about immigration, law enforcement, and community activism.
The Department of Justice has not publicly released detailed information about the investigation but confirmed that agents are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the protest and the legality of the actions taken by Allen and others. Federal authorities have previously emphasized the importance of protecting both civil rights and public safety during demonstrations, especially those involving sensitive subjects like immigration enforcement.
Local education officials have yet to issue an official statement regarding Allen’s arrest, but the episode has reignited discussions about the role of elected school board members in political activism. The Minnesota school system faces ongoing challenges, including addressing significant educational disparities and balancing community expectations.
Meanwhile, immigration advocates and critics continue to debate the use of protests targeting ICE personnel and facilities. The American Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy groups have historically defended the right to protest but caution against actions that infringe on others’ rights or disrupt lawful activities.
As the federal investigation proceeds, the case underscores the fraught intersection of immigration enforcement, community activism, and public education governance in Minnesota. It also highlights the broader national tensions surrounding immigration policy and the role of local officials in shaping public discourse.
For more information on immigration enforcement and community relations, see resources from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Justice.
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