Feds Make 25 More Arrests in Anti-ICE Minnesota Church Invasion

Charges filed under the FACE Act after viral January 18 storming of Cities Church

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The FBI has arrested 25 more individuals under the FACE Act following the viral January 18 storming of Cities Church in Minnesota by anti-ICE agitators. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the new arrests, stating that a total of 39 people have now been indicted over their role in the church invasion. This comes after the high-profile arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon, who allegedly followed the agitators into the church and spoke with the pastor.

Why it matters

The storming of a house of worship by anti-ICE protesters has raised concerns about the protection of religious freedom and the right to worship freely in the United States. The federal government's swift action in arresting and charging individuals under the FACE Act demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding these fundamental rights.

The details

On January 18, several anti-ICE agitators stormed Cities Church in Minnesota to protest federal immigration enforcement operations. The agitators were heard chanting "Justice for Renee Good," referencing the fatal shooting of the 37-year-old at the hands of federal agents. The Trump administration launched a probe into the matter, stating the incident was a violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. The highest-profile arrest was that of former CNN anchor Don Lemon, who allegedly followed the agitators into the church and spoke with the pastor.

  • On January 18, several anti-ICE agitators stormed Cities Church in Minnesota.
  • On February 13, Don Lemon was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to deprive religious freedom rights and a violation of the FACE Act.

The players

Pam Bondi

The Attorney General who announced the 25 new arrests in connection with the storming of Cities Church.

Kash Patel

The FBI Director who stated that the FBI will never tolerate those who target, attack, or intimidate Americans peacefully exercising their right to worship freely.

Don Lemon

The former CNN anchor who was arrested and charged with conspiracy to deprive religious freedom rights and a violation of the FACE Act for his alleged involvement in the Cities Church invasion.

Jonathan Parnell

The lead pastor of Cities Church, who expressed his dismay at the church being interrupted during a public gathering of Christians in worship.

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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. This Department of Justice STANDS for Christians and all Americans of faith.”

— Pam Bondi, Attorney General (X)

“Today's FACE Act arrests with our federal partners show this FBI will never tolerate those who target, attack, or intimidate Americans peacefully exercising their right to worship freely.”

— Kash Patel, FBI Director (Fox News Digital)

“This is unacceptable, it's shameful. It's shameful to interrupt a public gathering of Christians in worship. I have to take care of my flock.”

— Jonathan Parnell, Lead Pastor, Cities Church (Cities Church website)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Don Lemon out on bail.

The takeaway

The federal government's swift action in arresting and charging individuals under the FACE Act demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding the fundamental right to religious freedom and the sanctity of houses of worship in the United States.