Minnesota Church Protest Against ICE Results in Three Arrests, Journalist Spared Charges

January 22, 2026 | Lena Dorsey

In a tense intersection of civil rights activism and religious sanctity, a noted civil rights attorney and at least two other individuals have been apprehended following their participation in a protest that disrupted a church service. The Trump administration swiftly acted on the incident, emphasizing its stance on maintaining public order. The arrests underscore a growing friction between activist movements and authorities, as both sides grapple with the boundaries of civil protest and lawful assembly.

This development comes amidst a backdrop of heightened national discourse on civil rights and freedom of speech. While the administration contends the arrests were a necessary action to prevent chaos and uphold legal order, civil rights groups have criticized the move as another attempt to stifle dissent and activism. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by activists in exercising their First Amendment rights, particularly when they intersect with religious institutions.

In a related proceeding, journalist Don Lemon, who had been covering the unfolding protest, found a judicial reprieve as a judge dismissed charges against him. Lemon's case has galvanized media circles, raising important questions about the role of the press in covering contentious events. The dismissal has been seen by many as an affirmation of press freedoms, yet it also complicates the broader narrative of accountability and transparency in such scenarios.

While the detained individuals face legal consequences, the episode is set to spark renewed debate about the fine line between protest and disruption. The administration's handling of these arrests will likely be scrutinized by civil liberties organizations, setting the stage for potential legal battles that could further define the parameters of modern civil rights activism. Both sides appear resolute in their positions, ensuring this issue will remain in the public eye for the foreseeable future.

| Theo Ramirez

In a dramatic turn of events on Capitol Hill, the House of Representatives witnessed a nail-biting vote on a crucial war powers resolution. Despite bipartisan efforts, the motion ultimately failed to pass in a tie, concluding with a 215-215 deadlock.

| Maya Caldwell

In a significant development on Capitol Hill, the House of Representatives has given the green light to the final tranche of spending bills, effectively averting a looming government shutdown.

| Julian Park

On a tumultuous Sunday morning in St. Paul, protesters disrupted a service at the Cities Church, drawing attention to the dual roles of one of its pastors—a local official connected to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

| Maya Caldwell

In a highly anticipated session that captivated watchers across the political spectrum, Jack Smith, the former special counsel, delivered his first public testimony before the House Judiciary Committee.

| Soraya Amin

The move comes on the heels of an unusual courtroom drama, where a federal judge made headlines with a scathing statement regarding Ms. Halligan's position as the United States Attorney.

| Soraya Amin

In a bold legislative maneuver, Republicans on the committee have successfully advanced their inquiry into the government’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, taking a significant step towards probing former President Bill Clinton and former Secreta

| Soraya Amin

With the 2024 presidential election looming, our eyes turn to the heart of Trump's loyalist enclave to gauge the pulse on the former president's second-term agenda.

| Maya Caldwell

In a striking rebuke, a federal judge has cast a shadow over the Department of Justice, criticizing the legitimacy of the acting United States Attorney, Ms. Halligan.

| Soraya Amin

In the heart of the Swiss Alps, global economic leaders have converged for the World Economic Forum's annual congregation.