Nine Arrested After Protest at Minneapolis Church Over Immigration Policies

Tue Feb 03 2026 18:59:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi reports additional arrests following a protest against immigration enforcement at Cities Church, bringing the total to nine individuals charged with federal civil rights offenses.

In Minneapolis, the protest at Cities Church against immigration enforcement has led to nine arrests. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed two more arrests on Monday, naming Ian Davis Austin and Jerome Deangelo Richardson. The group interrupted Sunday worship with loud chants regarding ICE and the shooting of a local mother, Renee Good, by an ICE officer. This ongoing situation has drawn significant media attention, particularly with the involvement of former CNN journalist Don Lemon.

MINNEAPOLIS (PulseWire) — Following a protest against immigration enforcement at Cities Church in Minnesota, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrests of two additional individuals, bringing the total to nine arrested on federal civil rights charges. The grand jury unsealed its indictment last Friday, which includes notable figures such as independent journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort.

The protest on January 18, aimed at the church due to its association with an ICE official, resulted in worship services being interrupted. The demonstration, characterized by protesters chanting ICE out and focusing on the tragic shooting of three children’s mother by an ICE officer, sparked a nationwide conversation surrounding civil rights and immigration enforcement.

The latest additions to the list of arrestees include Ian Davis Austin and Jerome Deangelo Richardson, whose arrests were confirmed by Bondi on social media. Details surrounding their arrests remain unclear; however, previously arrested individuals include activists and journalists, among them prominent local voice Nekima Levy Armstrong.

Lemon, recently fired from CNN, stated he was not part of the group that disrupted the services but was conducting independent reporting on the event.

As authorities continue to investigate the situation, the implications of these arrests could influence ongoing discussions regarding the balance of civil rights and law enforcement during protests related to immigration policies.