Pam Bondi: Key Organizer of Minnesota Church Protest Arrested, More Expected
Federal law enforcement agents arrested Minneapolis civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong Thursday in connection with a high-profile protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed. Bondi said the arrest matters now because it represents a new federal enforcement front around civil rights and religious freedom in ongoing immigration tension.
The announcement escalates conflict between federal authorities and local activists after a group entered Cities Church on Sunday during worship to protest what they say is the pastor’s connection to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Protesters chanted against ICE and called for justice over recent immigration-related events.
Bondi posted on X that Homeland Security Investigations and FBI agents executed the arrest of Armstrong, saying she “allegedly played a key role in organizing the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.” She emphasized federal commitment to protecting houses of worship.
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Shortly after, Bondi shared that Chauntyll Louisa Allen, a St. Paul school board member, was also taken into custody. Later announcements by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said a third individual, William Kelly, was arrested on federal conspiracy charges tied to the protest.
“Listen loud and clear: WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP,” Bondi wrote in her social post.
The arrests come amid broader federal civil rights scrutiny in Minnesota and heated national debate over immigration enforcement policies, church autonomy, and protest rights. Federal prosecutors are using statutes including conspiracy and the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act to pursue charges against the protesters.
Federal court filings have not yet been unsealed, leaving specific charges and next legal steps unclear.
Authorities have said additional arrests could follow as the investigation continues.
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