January 1, Anti-ICE Protest Shakes Minnesota Churchgoers

Wyatt’s Take

• A Minnesota church service turned chaotic when anti-ICE activists stormed in.
• Parents were blocked from reaching their kids and some parishioners got hurt trying to escape.
• The DOJ charged three protesters with conspiracy against religious rights.

Federal officials say a church in St. Paul was disrupted by a group of 30 to 40 anti-ICE agitators. These protesters stormed in, causing panic and distress, especially among children.

The DOJ stated that parishioners were intimidated and forced to flee the service. One woman suffered a broken arm while trying to get away.

Three well-known activists were arrested and are accused of blocking people’s right to worship freely. The DOJ says this violated federal law meant to protect churchgoers.

DHS agents added that the agitators targeted the church after learning a pastor was also an immigration officer. The protest was organized and involved shouts and physical obstruction.

One affidavit described parishioners looking confused and scared, with some falling as they tried to leave. Protesters yelled “ICE Out!” and “Hands up! Don’t shoot!” inside the building.

Lawyers for the accused say the charges are about free speech and political targeting, not crimes. The activists claim their actions did not break the law, but officials disagree.

Leaders of the protest organized a meeting before the event and posted about their actions online afterward.

Read more here

Wyatt Matters

Families go to church to find peace and comfort. When outsiders barge in and frighten kids, it goes against what Middle America stands for: community, faith, and respect for others in their place of worship.