U.S. Charges 30 More People in Minnesota Church Protest Case

Post by : Saif Nasser

The U.S. government has announced new criminal charges against 30 more people connected to a protest that took place at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota earlier this year. The expanded legal action reflects rising tensions in the United States over immigration policy and civil protest rights.

The announcement was made by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who said the Justice Department has unsealed a larger indictment tied to the January demonstration at Cities Church. She said that 25 of the 30 new defendants have already been arrested, and more arrests are expected soon.

Bondi stressed that houses of worship must be protected. She wrote that people who disrupt religious services “cannot hide” from prosecutors, and said the department stands for Americans of all faiths.

The protest in question took place on January 18 during a church service. Demonstrators entered Cities Church and disrupted the gathering. They were protesting against federal immigration enforcement, particularly policies carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota. Organizers said their goal was to call attention to what they saw as harsh federal actions in the region.

Eyewitness videos from that day show protesters chanting and trying to block parts of the church interior. The protest came amid broader unrest in Minnesota after the federal government sent thousands of immigration agents to the state earlier in the winter. The immigration operation, known as Operation Metro Surge, had drawn criticism from residents, community leaders, and civil rights groups.

The expanded indictment now charges a total of 39 people in connection with the church protest. All faces charges related to religious freedom protections, including conspiracy against the right of worship and interfering with the free exercise of religion.

Among those previously charged are some well-known figures, including journalists and community activists. For example, former news anchor Don Lemon and reporter Georgia Fort were charged in the case. They say they were covering the protest in their roles as journalists and have pleaded not guilty.

Some activists and legal advocates have raised concerns about the government’s approach. Critics say that charging protesters — and even journalists — could discourage people from speaking out or covering social movements. They argue that protests, even when tense or disruptive, are part of democratic expression.

Supporters of the charges, including church leaders and conservative figures, say that disrupting religious services crosses a line and should be taken seriously. They point to laws that protect the right of individuals to worship without interference, and say that the protesters endangered families and children during the service.

The legal process is expected to continue in federal court. Those charged will face formal proceedings where they can enter pleas and present defenses. Some have already denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.

The events in Minnesota come at a time when immigration and protest rights are highly debated topics in the United States. The case touches on questions about how far people can go in expressing opposition to government policy, and where the line is drawn between protest and unlawful disruption.

As the court process unfolds, many people across the country will be watching closely. The outcome could influence future cases involving protests, religious freedom, and how authorities respond to demonstrations tied to contentious public policies.