Federal authorities have made significant arrests linked to an anti-ICE protest at a St. Paul church. The demonstration disrupted a service at Cities Church on Summit Avenue on Sunday, January 22, 2026. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed the arrests on Thursday, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Key Arrests Announced
Three individuals associated with the protest have been taken into custody. They include:
- Nekima Levy Armstrong: A civil rights attorney and organizer of the protest.
- Chauntyll Louisa Allen: The clerk of the St. Paul Board of Education.
- William Kelly: Charged with conspiracy to deprive rights and related federal crimes.
Details of the Arrests
Bondi underscored a strong stance against disruptions at places of worship, stating, “Listen loud and clear: WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP.” The protest involved 30 to 40 individuals entering the church around 10:40 a.m. to voice their concerns about the local pastor’s connection to ICE.
Levy Armstrong explained the intent of the protest was to open a dialogue regarding the implications of ICE’s activities on the community. In contrast, others have described the actions during the protest as harassment.
Ongoing Investigations
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently investigating the incident. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that Levy Armstrong is being charged under federal law for conspiracy against rights, along with other legal implications related to her participation.
Noem also stated that the actions taken during the protest did not reflect lawful dissent, but rather constituted lawless harassment. The magistrate judge released both Levy Armstrong and Allen, declining the request for detention hearings.
As the situation develops, the community and various organizations are closely monitoring the impact of this protest and the subsequent arrests. There are ongoing discussions regarding free speech protections and the boundaries of protest activities, especially in sensitive environments like places of worship.
For more updates on this situation, follow El-Balad for the latest news regarding the arrests and any further developments related to the St. Paul church protest.
