A group of anti-immigration enforcement protesters stormed a Sunday church service at Cities Church in St Paul, Minnesota, bringing worship to a halt and sparking widespread criticism.
The demonstrators, affiliated with activist networks including Black Lives Matter Minnesota, entered the evangelical congregation during mid-service. They chanted slogans such as “ICE out!” and accused one of the pastors, David Easterwood, of holding a senior role with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Protesters blocked aisles and screamed at worshippers during hymns and preaching.
Leftist activists screamed at the Christians as they attempted to pray and sing songs, frightening the churchgoers, including many children.
Don Lemon has been called out by many for saying “Thank you for your service” to the Leftist activists.
Lead Pastor Jason Parnell addressed the group directly, stating they were there “to worship Jesus” and asking them to leave. He later described the incident as “unacceptable” and “shameful”, arguing it represented an attack on religious freedom.
Critics have condemned the action as a clear example of leftist activists showing contempt for sacred spaces. They point out the apparent double standard: when pro-life demonstrators have blocked access to abortion clinics in the past, they have faced serious federal charges under the same law now being applied here.
The US Department of Justice has confirmed it is investigating the event under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act 1994. Originally passed to protect reproductive health facilities, the legislation also covers places of religious worship. It makes it a federal offence to use force, threats, or physical obstruction to interfere with the free exercise of religion, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon announced the probe on social media, placing particular scrutiny on disgraced journalist Don Lemon. Lemon, a former CNN anchor, was present inside the church filming the confrontation and has admitted to joining protesters for what he called “reconnaissance” beforehand. Dhillon warned that “journalism is not a badge or a shield” against potential FACE Act violations.
Conservative commentators have called for charges against all participants, including Lemon, with many describing his involvement as crossing the line from reporting into active participation.
In an interview following the incursion, Don Lemon claimed that the Christians in the church were the concern, stating:
They’re entitled and that entitlement comes from white supremacy.”
before saying
I’m the biggest name there”
Others have condemned the Far Left group’s actions:
The case has drawn attention because the FACE Act has historically been used more against conservative and pro-life activists. Many see the current investigation as an opportunity to test whether the Trump administration will enforce the law evenly, regardless of political affiliation.
As the DOJ inquiry continues, the incident highlights deep divisions in American society over immigration policy, protest tactics, respect for religious spaces and the escalating extremism of Left-wing activists.
