Civil Rights Activist Arrested After Disrupting Church Service in Anti-ICE Protest

Thu Jan 22 2026 21:43:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights attorney, was arrested following a protest at the Cities Church in St. Paul where she and other demonstrators condemned ICE's actions amidst rising tensions over immigration enforcement. The incident has ignited a civil rights investigation by the Justice Department.

Nekima Levy Armstrong, a leading civil rights activist, has been arrested after leading an anti-ICE protest that disrupted church services in Minnesota. The protest was sparked by the shooting of Renee Good, a mother of three, by ICE officers. Armstrong argued that a pastor's dual role with ICE creates a moral conflict, while prominent religious leaders defended the church's sanctuary status. The Justice Department has launched a civil rights investigation into the incident.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Civil rights attorney and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong has been arrested following a protest at the Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. This demonstration came during a church service led by a pastor affiliated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who has faced scrutiny in the wake of rising tensions surrounding immigration enforcement.

The protest, which occurred on Sunday, revealed growing frustration over immigration policies following the tragic death of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother who was shot by an ICE officer earlier in the month. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as 'ICE out' and 'Justice for Renee Good,' demanding accountability and justice for actions that they argue disproportionately harm immigrant communities.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Armstrong's arrest on X, emphasizing that disrupting places of worship is unacceptable. The Justice Department has since opened a civil rights investigation into the incident, highlighting the delicate balance between free speech and protecting sacred spaces.

Armstrong, who has been vocal about her opposition to the pastor's dual role, stated, 'You cannot lead a congregation while directing an agency whose actions have cost lives.' She condemned what she perceives as intimidation tactics used against peaceful protesters and called for the resignation of the pastor associated with ICE.

In defense of the church, prominent leaders from the Southern Baptist Convention have argued that while compassion for migrants is essential, it does not justify interrupting worship. The events have sparked dialogue on the role of faith communities amidst contentious immigration policies, raising questions about moral ethics and the sacredness of places of worship amid political activism.

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Durkin Richer reported from Washington.