Protesters Facing Federal Charges Avoid State Charges in Minnesota Church Incident

In St. Paul, Minnesota, anti-immigration enforcement protesters involved in interrupting a church service in January will not face state charges. St. Paul City Attorney Irene Kao stated that evidence was insufficient for criminal charges under Minnesota state laws. This decision received criticism from Cities Church’s lead pastor.

“This decision should not be interpreted as an endorsement of unlawful behavior or public disorder,” Kao emphasized. She noted the importance of balancing the rights to peaceful protest and religious beliefs in making this decision.

The U.S. Justice Department has filed federal civil rights charges against 39 individuals, including former CNN journalist Don Lemon. The charges followed the protest at Cities Church on January 18. Protesters interrupted services by chanting phrases like “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good.” Renee Good, a mother of three, tragically died from a shooting by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis.

The protest stemmed from information that a pastor at the church was also an ICE official leading operations in Minnesota. Images of Don Lemon at the protest have circulated widely.

In response to the non-prosecution decision, Cities Church’s lead pastor Jonathan Parnell expressed concern, suggesting the logic permits disruption of religious gatherings under the guise of protests. He raised concerns about potential hazards to safety and property, though no violence or damage occurred during this protest.

Attorneys representing the church argue that the lack of physical damage does not negate possible legal violations. Recently, four states including Idaho, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Kansas have passed laws penalizing disruptions of worship services.