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DOJ Arrests Three Linked to Anti-ICE Protest That Shut Down Church Service

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3 months ago

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In a swift escalation of justice under the Trump administration, the Department of Justice (DOJ), the FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) have now arrested three individuals tied to the chaotic anti-ICE protest that disrupted a Sunday worship service at Cities Church in St. Paul.

This latest development, announced by FBI Director Kash Patel, underscores the administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward radical left-wing tactics that infringe on religious freedoms and law enforcement.U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, a staunch defender of law and order, initially announced the arrests of two prominent Black Lives Matter (BLM) activists earlier today, stating that “attacks on places of worship will not be tolerated.”
 
Just hours later, Director Patel confirmed that a third suspect, William Kelly, had been taken into custody for his role in the disruption. More arrests are expected, as the DOJ continues its civil rights investigation, signaling that no one—regardless of their activist credentials—will escape accountability.
The three arrested individuals are all linked to the militant protest movement in the Twin Cities, with deep roots in BLM and anti-immigration enforcement activism:
  • Nekima Levy Armstrong, 49: A civil rights attorney and former Minneapolis NAACP president with a long history of confrontational protests. She participated in the 2014 Ferguson unrest, faced (later dismissed) charges from a Mall of America BLM demonstration, and was arrested during a 2015 Interstate 94 blockade after the Jamar Clark shooting. Armstrong currently runs cannabis company Dope Roots, and allegedly played a key role in organizing the church invasion. She also filmed herself as she disrupted the worship service at The Cities Church and is included in other clips filmed by former CNN journalist Don Lemon, both before and after the disruption, which continued outside the building. Later, posting on her social media, she declared, “It’s time for judgment to begin and it will begin in the House of God!!!”

  • Chauntyll Louisa Allen: A St. Paul School Board member and founder of BLM Twin Cities Metro. Allen has defended the disruption, likening it to Jesus overturning tables in the temple, claiming it was “what needed to be done.” Her activism includes coordinating aid during the 2020 George Floyd riots and pushing for “education equity.” She’s currently running for St. Paul City Council Ward 4.
  • William Kelly, 36: A self-proclaimed Army veteran (served 2007-2011) turned professional agitator, known online as “DaWokeFarmer” on TikTok with over 66,000 followers. Kelly posts profanity-laced videos attacking ICE, President Trump, and his administration. He was previously arrested by the U.S. Secret Service in December for disorderly conduct at Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s church in Washington, D.C., where he berated a congregant as a “Nazi.” Just days before the church storming, on January 16, Kelly was arrested in Minneapolis on a misdemeanor for blocking access to a federal building (the Whipple Federal Building, an ICE detention center) and released. He brazenly dared Attorney General Bondi to arrest him in a video following the incident, and now faces federal charges for crossing state lines to incite chaos.
Kelly who also filmed his reaction to the arrest of Armstrong, had a meltdown while calling for people to get in the streets and shut the country down: “Get in the f*cking streets now it’s time to shut this country down. We are at fascism. The Republic has f*cking fallen…”

The incident unfolded on January 18 during morning services at Cities Church, where dozens of protesters allegedly organized by BLM Twin Cities and Armstrong’s Racial Justice Network burst in, targeting Pastor David Easterwood, who doubles as acting field office director for ICE in St. Paul. Chanting “ICE out,” “Justice for Renee Good,” and “David Easterwood, out now,” the group marched aisles, confronted leaders, and terrified attendees, halting the service.
Videos, including a livestream by former CNN journalist Don Lemon, captured the intimidation, with Kelly seen screaming obscenities at worshippers. Charges include violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits the use of force, threats, or obstruction to interfere with religious worship. While critics like Minnesota AG Keith Ellison argue it’s misapplied, claiming it’s for abortion clinics, federal officials insist it protects sacred spaces. The DOJ is also eyeing the Ku Klux Klan Act (Enforcement Act of 1871, 42 U.S.C. § 1985(3)) for conspiracy to deprive civil rights, potentially adding up to 10 years in prison. This historic law, aimed at combating KKK terror, now ironically targets alleged BLM-linked intimidation.
 
The First Amendment doesn’t protect these kinds of actions: It safeguards speech, not threats, incitement, or obstruction of others’ rights per Schenck v. United States and Brandenburg v. Ohio. Protesters could have rallied outside; instead, they invaded a house of worship, prioritizing disruption over decency.
 

This case exposes the radical left’s hypocrisy: They like to decry “fascism,” trample religious liberty, and support open borders that endanger communities.

While it is not known whether Don Lemon will be arrested, it seems that, at least for the three who are currently, vindication is at hand: The DOJ under Trump is finally holding agitators accountable, restoring faith in equal justice.
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