Tensions Rise: Protest Disrupts Minnesota Church Service Over ICE Pastor

Protesters interrupted a Sunday church service in St. Paul, Minn., over a pastor’s apparent work as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official, escalating tensions between Minnesota residents and the Trump administration after an immigration agent shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis. Videos posted on social media show protesters chanting at the Cities Church — including calls for “ICE out” — and bringing the service to a halt. Congregants are seen moving to leave the church as the chants continue and worship music begins to play. The protest at the church was organized by Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights lawyer. She said she wanted to draw attention to a church leader, David Easterwood, who also appears to be the acting director of ICE’s field office for enforcement and removal operations in St. Paul, and who is named in a lawsuit challenging aggressive enforcement tactics. The church, Mr. Easterwood and Jonathan Parnell, the lead pastor leading service on Sunday, did not immediately respond to calls or requests for comment. It was unclear whether Mr. Easterwood was present in the church during the protest on Sunday. The Justice Department said it was investigating the event, with officials pointing to a 1994 law that bars using or threatening force and physical obstruction to interfere or intimidate someone worshiping at a religious institution. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who said she spoke with a pastor at the church late Sunday, said “attacks against law enforcement and the intimidation of Christians are being met with the full force of federal law.” Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber? Log in. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.