Minnesota Church Protest Disrupts Services, Triggers Federal Civil Rights Inquiry

By Jim Thomas | Saturday, January 24, 2026

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty warned on Saturday that federal and state leaders must “climb down a rung or two” to find compromise as protests over Immigration and Customs Enforcement intensify in the state, stating his community is “dysfunctional at the moment” compared to other cities that have “made accommodations with the president.”

Speaking on “Wake Up America Weekend,” Pawlenty described protesters as a mix of individuals who either “don’t want ICE at all” or “sincerely believe ICE has used excessive tactics.” He cited a breakdown in intergovernmental communication, noting tensions between Governor Tim Walz and President Donald Trump are so severe they no longer speak to each other.

The remarks followed a protest that disrupted a Sunday church service in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Justice Department announced an investigation into potential civil rights violations by protesters who “desecrated a house of worship and interfered with Christian worshippers.” Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the actions, stating that “attacks against law enforcement and intimidation of Christians are being met with the full force of federal law.”

Bondi also reported arrests of Nekima Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Louisa Allen, and William Kelly in connection with the protest. A federal magistrate judge rejected a criminal complaint against journalist Don Lemon.

Pawlenty criticized protesters for “bursting into churches” under the guise of protest, stating such conduct violates federal law. He emphasized that while peaceful protests are acceptable, breaking laws, harming individuals, disrupting religious services and obstructing law enforcement remain unacceptable actions most Americans would agree on.