Minneapolis, Minnesota — The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into an anti-ICE protest that disrupted a church service in Minneapolis, raising questions about the limits of protest activity inside places of worship and the application of federal civil rights law.
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon announced the probe in a social media post, stating that the DOJ is reviewing whether protesters violated the federal FACE Act, a law designed to protect access to religious institutions. The demonstration took place at Cities Church, where activists interrupted a service while chanting “Justice for Renee Good,” referring to a woman fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer earlier this month.
Dhillon described the incident as interference with Christian worship and shared video footage showing congregants leaving the sanctuary as protesters continued chanting. The protest was reportedly aimed at a church pastor identified as David Easterwood, whom demonstrators claimed also works for ICE. The Washington Examiner reported it could not confirm whether the pastor and an ICE official with the same name are the same individual.
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon, who recorded portions of the protest for his YouTube channel, defended the demonstrators, arguing that protest activity is protected under the First Amendment. Dhillon later rejected that claim, stating that houses of worship are not public forums for protests and are protected under federal law.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the investigation and said any violations of federal law would be prosecuted. The incident comes amid broader anti-ICE protests across Minnesota following Good’s death, prompting Gov. Tim Walz to mobilize the National Guard as tensions remain elevated.
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