A Sunday worship service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, was abruptly interrupted when a group of anti‑ICE demonstrators forced their way into the sanctuary, bringing the service to an early halt and leaving many congregants shaken. Worshippers described the intrusion as a violation of a sacred community space.
Protesters, chanting demands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to leave Minnesota, accused a senior church leader of cooperating with federal immigration authorities. Organizers said the action was part of ongoing demonstrations tied to the death of Renee Good, a Minneapolis woman who was fatally shot earlier this month during an encounter involving an ICE agent—a case that has sparked weeks of protests in the Twin Cities.
Media Presence and Church Response
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon, now independent, followed the group into the church and interviewed activist Nekima Levy Armstrong as the disruption unfolded. Lemon later spoke briefly with a pastor from Cities Church, who said that while attempts at dialogue were made, the protesters rejected them. The pastor emphasized that his first priority was the safety of his congregation and his family.
The service ended early, and several worshippers left visibly upset. Some described feeling violated or angry that their time of worship had been interrupted, saying the protest may have undercut its own message by disrupting a peaceful gathering.
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