30 More Charged in Minnesota Church Protest Incident

Federal agents have already arrested 25 of the 30 additional defendants, Attorney General says.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Justice has charged 30 more people in connection with an incident last month where anti-ICE protesters disrupted a service at a Minnesota church. Attorney General Pam Bondi said federal agents have already arrested 25 of the defendants, with more arrests expected throughout the day.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and activist groups, as well as the government's crackdown on protests that disrupt religious services. The charges could set a precedent for how authorities respond to similar incidents at places of worship.

The details

The incident unfolded on January 18 when protesters entered Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. The protesters said one of the pastors is the acting field director of the St. Paul ICE field office. Protesters were heard chanting 'Justice for Renee Good' inside the church, referencing a woman fatally shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis earlier that month.

  • The incident occurred on January 18, 2026.
  • The 30 additional defendants were charged on February 28, 2026.

The players

Pam Bondi

The Attorney General who announced the charges against the 30 additional defendants.

Don Lemon

A former CNN journalist who was previously charged for his alleged role in the incident.

Renee Good

A woman fatally shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis in early January 2026, whose death was referenced by protesters during the church incident.

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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)

What’s next

The judge will decide on bail for the 25 defendants who have already been arrested.

The takeaway

This case highlights the government's crackdown on protests that disrupt religious services, even as tensions continue between immigration enforcement and activist groups. It remains to be seen how the courts will rule on the charges and whether they will set a precedent for similar incidents at places of worship.