Anti-ICE Protesters in Minnesota Church Face No State Charges

Authorities decided not to file state criminal charges against anti-ICE protesters, including former CNN journalist Don Lemon, after they disrupted a church service in Minnesota in January. This decision, considered controversial by the church leaders, resulted in criticism for allegedly allowing activists to intervene in religious ceremonies without consequences.

In a statement given by St. Paul City Attorney Irene Kao, the choice not to pursue charges came after an assessment of video footage and investigative reports. According to Kao, the existing evidence was insufficient under Minnesota law to warrant criminal charges. Despite this, federal prosecutors have charged 39 individuals, including Lemon and another independent journalist, with civil rights violations related to the incident. These federal cases are still pending.

On January 19, 2026, activists disrupted a service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, claiming the pastor collaborated with ICE as part of recent immigration enforcement actions. This protest against federal immigration efforts in Minneapolis prompted a strong reaction from Cities Church leaders. Lead pastor Jonathan Parnell criticized the legal decision, arguing it sets a precedent for protestors to invade religious institutions, disrupting gatherings under the guise of protest.

The protest received widespread attention as demonstrators accused a pastor within the church of simultaneously serving with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Videos from the protest show participants chanting for justice regarding a fatal shooting linked to federal agents.

Kao emphasized that the decision against state charges doesn’t imply support for unlawful activities or disruption. She insisted on the importance of upholding both the rights to peaceful protest and religious freedom. Attorneys for the church argued that the lack of violence or damage doesn’t equate to adherence to legal boundaries.