Feds Indict 30 More People In MN Anti-ICE Church Protest

In total, 39 people have been charged in connection with the church protest, which occurred last month in Saint Paul.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted 30 additional people in connection with a January protest at a St. Paul church over federal immigration enforcement operations in the Twin Cities. Nine others, including former CNN journalist Don Lemon, were previously charged under the 1994 Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. Protesters entered Cities Church on Jan. 18 because one of its pastors was serving as the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement's field office in St. Paul.

Why it matters

The church protest drew sharp complaints from conservative religious and political leaders and highlighted the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities. The incident came amid a tense couple of months where the Trump administration sent thousands of federal officers to Minnesota for Operation Metro Surge, leading to several fatal police shootings and widespread community impact.

The details

The 30 newly indicted individuals are accused of entering the church in a 'coordinated takeover-style attack' and engaging in acts of intimidation and obstruction. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that federal agents have already arrested 25 of the individuals, with 'more to come throughout the day'. The charges the new group will face are still unclear.

  • The church protest occurred on January 18, 2026.
  • The indictments were announced on February 27, 2026.

The players

Pam Bondi

The Attorney General who confirmed the indictment and stated that federal agents have already arrested 25 of the individuals.

Don Lemon

A former CNN journalist who was previously charged under the 1994 Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.

Georgia Fort

A journalist who was charged along with Don Lemon and Nekima Levy Armstrong.

Nekima Levy Armstrong

A prominent local activist who was the subject of a doctored photo posted by the White House showing her crying during her arrest.

Doug Wardlow

A lawyer for Cities Church who praised the Justice Department for charging more people.

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What they’re saying

“YOU CANNOT ATTACK A HOUSE OF WORSHIP. If you do so, you cannot hide from us — we will find you, arrest you, and prosecute you.”

— Pam Bondi, Attorney General (X)

“For more than 30 years, I've been a journalist, and the power and protection of the First Amendment has been the underpinning of my work. The First Amendment, the freedom of the press, are the bedrock of our democracy.”

— Don Lemon (Outside the courthouse)

“The First Amendment does not give anyone — regardless of profession, prominence, or politics — license to storm a church and intimidate, threaten, and terrorize families and children worshipping inside.”

— Doug Wardlow, Lawyer for Cities Church (Statement)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the newly indicted individuals out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities, where the Trump administration's crackdown led to widespread community impact and protests. It also raises questions about the limits of First Amendment rights and the protection of religious institutions from disruption.