Minneapolis Clergy Join Protests Against ICE Raids

Former evangelical leader Rob Schenck recounts his journey to Minneapolis to bear witness and make amends.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Rob Schenck, a former leader in the Christian right, joined clergy from across the country who traveled to Minneapolis to confront aggressive ICE enforcement actions and bear witness against the government's treatment of immigrants. Schenck, who had previously helped organize protests against abortion clinics, now seeks to make amends for the harm he caused and finds himself in solidarity with the LGBTQ+-affirming activists leading the Minneapolis protests.

Why it matters

Schenck's participation in the Minneapolis protests represents a dramatic shift from his previous role as a prominent figure in the Christian right. His journey reflects the growing divide within evangelical Christianity, as some leaders break from the arch-conservative movement to embrace more progressive causes like immigrant rights and LGBTQ+ inclusion.

The details

Schenck traveled to Minneapolis amid forecasted sub-zero temperatures to join over 1,000 clergy and religious leaders who answered a call to confront ICE's aggressive tactics in the city. He was assigned to monitor a Target store for ICE activity, but no incidents occurred. Schenck later attended a memorial service for Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old VA nurse killed by federal immigration agents, and kept vigil outside a church that had declared itself a "sacred sanctuary" to protect its immigrant community from ICE raids.

  • On January 21, Schenck flew to Minneapolis to join the protests.
  • On January 22, Schenck attended an orientation at a local church with hundreds of other clergy participants.
  • On January 23, Schenck visited sites connected to the deaths of George Floyd and Renee Good, two victims of police violence.
  • On January 24, Schenck stayed in Minneapolis after learning of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents.
  • On January 25, Schenck joined other clergy in guarding a Minneapolis church from potential ICE raids.

The players

Rob Schenck

A former leader in the Christian right who has broken from the arch-conservative movement and now seeks to make amends for the harm he caused through his past activism.

Waymo

An American autonomous driving company and a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

Hierald Osorto

The pastor of San Pablo/St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, which has declared itself a "sacred sanctuary" to protect its immigrant community from ICE raids.

Alex Pretti

A 37-year-old VA nurse who was fatally shot by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.

Doug Pagitt

A minister and head of Vote Common Good, an organization that mobilizes faith leaders to promote progressive causes.

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What they’re saying

“This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Schenck's participation in the Minneapolis protests represents a dramatic shift in his personal and professional journey, as he seeks to make amends for the harm caused by his past activism and embrace a more progressive, community-oriented vision of Christianity.