Attorney General Pam Bondi has publicly confirmed the arrest of a woman who orchestrated and led a disruptive anti-immigration enforcement protest during a church service in Minnesota. The announcement was made on Thursday, 22nd January 2026, following an incident that has sparked a significant civil rights investigation and a heated debate over the intersection of activism, worship, and law enforcement.
Details of the Arrest and Protest
Bondi identified the arrested individual as Nekima Levy Armstrong, a well-known civil rights attorney and prominent local activist in Minnesota. The arrest came days after a group of protesters entered the Cities Church in St. Paul during its Sunday service. The protest specifically targeted the church because a local official from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) serves there as a pastor.
The demonstrators interrupted the worship by chanting slogans such as "ICE out" and "Justice for Renee Good." This latter chant referenced Renée Good, a 37-year-old mother of three who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis earlier this month. The disruption prompted the U.S. Department of Justice to swiftly open a civil rights investigation into the matter.
Official Statements and Reactions
In a post on the social media platform X, Attorney General Bondi issued a stern warning, stating, "Listen loud and clear: WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP." This statement underscores the legal and ethical boundaries being contested in this case.
Prior to her arrest, Levy Armstrong had publicly called for the resignation of the pastor affiliated with ICE, arguing that his dual roles create a "fundamental moral conflict." She elaborated on Tuesday, saying, "You cannot lead a congregation while directing an agency whose actions have cost lives and inflicted fear in our communities. When officials protect armed agents, repeatedly refuse meaningful investigation into killings like Renée Good’s, and signal they may pursue peaceful protesters and journalists, that is not justice — it is intimidation."
Broader Implications and Community Response
The incident has ignited a wider conversation about the limits of protest and the sanctity of religious spaces. Prominent leaders from the Southern Baptist Convention have rallied to the defense of the Cities Church. They contend that while compassion for migrant families affected by immigration enforcement is important, it does not justify violating a sacred space during worship services.
This arrest highlights ongoing tensions in communities across the United States regarding immigration policies, law enforcement accountability, and civil liberties. The case continues to develop as investigations proceed and public discourse evolves.
