What started as another anti-ICE protest in Minnesota quickly crossed the line from loud activism into outright intimidation. As previously reported, a coordinated group of activists stormed Cities Church in St. Paul during a worship service, disrupting parishioners who were simply there to pray. Because nothing says “social justice” like ambushing families in a church pew.
The activists claimed they were there because one of the church’s pastors was allegedly connected to ICE. As RedState and Townhall reported, the group marched into the sanctuary in the middle of the service. Former CNN anchor Don Lemon even showed up to livestream the chaos, apparently rebranding himself as “embedded protest correspondent.”
One of the agitators tried to justify the disruption with scripture, declaring, “Judgment begins at the house of God.” Hebrews 10:31 warns that “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God,” which may apply a little more literally than they intended.
Attorney General Pam Bondi later filed charges against Nekima Levy Armstrong, accused of helping organize the ambush; Chauntyll Allen, a school board member and activist; and William Kelly, described as a professional protester. Armstrong and Allen were arrested Thursday, with Kelly arrested soon after. All three were released Friday pending court proceedings.
According to the FBI affidavit supporting the warrant, the incident was even worse than what the viral video showed. Witnesses said parents were blocked from retrieving their children, agitators screamed in the faces of kids, and one person broke an arm while trying to escape the chaos. So much for “peaceful protest.”
Before charges were filed, Armstrong attempted to downplay the incident, claiming her group merely “participated in the service.” The video told a very different story, and witness interviews included in the affidavit made her explanation look even weaker.
As noted in further reporting, William Kelly’s behavior was described as especially aggressive. The full scope of the incident raised questions about why the group was released so quickly, given the level of disruption and intimidation described.
Legal action is now moving forward, either through the Department of Justice or a civil lawsuit expected from Cities Church. What happened inside that church was not free speech — it was an organized attempt to terrorize worshippers under the cover of politics.
At the end of the day, churches are meant for prayer, not political mobs. The arrests show that even in an age of nonstop outrage, there are still consequences for crossing the line. With the courts now involved, there is a real chance for accountability — and a reminder that respect for faith, law, and community still matters in America.
