The Department of Justice has swiftly launched a civil rights investigation following a brazen disruption at Cities Church in Minneapolis on January 18th, 2026. Dozens of anti-ICE agitators invaded the sanctuary mid-service, shouting down worshippers and targeting the church over claims that one pastor serves as acting director of ICE’s St. Paul field office.
The mob pursued attendees into the parking lot, surrounding vehicles and blocking exits in a blatant act of intimidation.This chaos erupts amid the Trump administration’s firm immigration enforcement in Minnesota, including a surge of federal agents. It follows a January 13 raid after an ICE officer fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, and heated protests at the State Capitol on January 14.
Federal officials rightly view these actions as lawless threats to public order and religious freedom. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the assault: “I just spoke to the Pastor in Minnesota whose church was targeted. Attacks against law enforcement and the intimidation of Christians are being met with the full force of federal law. If state leaders refuse to act responsibly to prevent lawlessness, this Department of Justice will remain mobilized to prosecute federal crimes and ensure that the rule of law prevails.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed the resolve: “President Trump will not tolerate the intimidation and harassment of Christians in their sacred places of worship. The Department of Justice has launched a full investigation into the despicable incident that took place earlier today at a church in Minnesota.”Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon vowed: “We will not rest until we are able to deliver justice.”
Meanwhile, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey downplayed the unrest on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” framing federal actions as “terrorizing” Latino and Somali communities while praising “peaceful” protests. Such rhetoric only fuels division, ignoring the real victims: law-abiding citizens and faithful worshippers facing radical harassment.
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