DOJ Investigates Protesters Disrupting Church Services Led by ICE-Linked Pastor
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched an investigation into recent protests at a St. Paul church, where a pastor is linked to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This inquiry follows disruptions during a church service where demonstrators interrupted with chants of “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good.” The protests were organized by Black Lives Matter Minnesota.
Background of the Incident
The protests occurred at the Cities Church in St. Paul, where David Easterwood is identified as the pastor. He is also the acting director of the ICE St. Paul field office, a position that has drawn scrutiny due to his involvement in controversial federal immigration enforcement actions.
Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother, was fatally shot by an ICE agent earlier this month, which fueled public outrage and calls for justice.
Department of Justice Response
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated that the DOJ is investigating potential civil rights violations. She emphasized that protesting in a house of worship undermines the sanctity of such spaces, which are protected under federal law.
Attorney General Pam Bondi voiced her support for the investigation, assuring that any federal law violations would be prosecuted. She has been in communication with Dhillon regarding the protests and outlined that attacks against law enforcement and intimidation of Christians cannot be tolerated.
Community Reactions
Nekima Levy Armstrong, a protest participant and leader of the Racial Justice Network, criticized the DOJ’s investigation as a distraction from the actions of federal agents in the Minneapolis area. Armstrong, an ordained reverend, expressed disbelief that an ICE-affiliated pastor could lead a church.
- “If the focus is on a protest rather than the harm caused by ICE, something is wrong,” she said.
The Cities Church has not responded to requests for comment on the situation, and it remains unclear if Easterwood was present during the protest.
ICE’s Position
ICE has condemned the protest, stating that their officers face increased dangers and asserting that protests disrupt their duties. They claimed that protesters have become a threat to their operations, targeting churches in their pursuit of federal law enforcement officials.
Monique Cullars-Doty, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Minnesota, expressed concern over the potential for a church leader to be involved in orchestrating immigration raids, stating, “What has the world come to?” She argued that such actions should not be ignored.
Conclusion
The investigation by the Department of Justice into the protesters’ actions highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and community advocacy groups. As this situation develops, the implications for civil rights and community relations will continue to be closely monitored.
