DOJ Issues New Warning
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a strong warning Sunday after protesters disrupted a Christian worship service in St. Paul, Minnesota, signaling that federal charges could follow if similar incidents continue.
In a statement posted on X, Bondi said she personally spoke with Jonathan Parnell, the lead pastor of Cities Church, after demonstrators interrupted a Sunday sermon. The group accused another church leader, David Easterwood, of having ties to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Bondi emphasized that intimidation inside houses of worship will not be tolerated.
“Attacks on law enforcement and the targeting of people practicing their faith will be met with the full force of federal law,” Bondi said. She added that if state or local officials fail to maintain order, the Department of Justice will act to enforce federal statutes and uphold constitutional protections.
Rising Tensions Following Fatal ICE-Related Incident
The disruption comes amid heightened tensions in the Twin Cities following the fatal shooting of Renee Good earlier this month during an encounter involving an ICE officer. The incident has sparked ongoing protests against federal immigration enforcement throughout the region.
According to Cities Church’s website, Easterwood serves as a pastor at the church. He previously appeared alongside Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at an October press conference in Minneapolis, where he was introduced as the acting director of ICE’s St. Paul Field Office.
Civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong criticized Easterwood in comments to the The Minnesota Star Tribune, alleging that his government role was not clearly disclosed. ICE officials declined to confirm Easterwood’s current employment status when asked.
DOJ Signals Zero Tolerance for Disruptions of Worship
Justice Department adviser Alina Habba reinforced Bondi’s message during an appearance on Fox & Friends, stating that the administration will aggressively protect religious freedom and public safety.
“This administration will not allow intimidation in churches or interference with law enforcement,” Habba said. “That conduct will be addressed swiftly and decisively.”
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, who leads the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, confirmed on Newsmax that federal prosecutors were already being dispatched to Minneapolis.
“There is no more fundamental freedom in the Constitution than the right to peacefully gather and pray,” Dhillon said. “Federal law clearly protects that right.”
Federal Scrutiny of Minnesota Leaders Intensifies
The unrest has further strained relations between the Trump administration and Minnesota Democratic officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Both leaders have criticized the increased federal immigration enforcement presence while urging protesters to remain peaceful.
Last week, the Department of Justice issued subpoenas to Walz and Frey as part of an investigation into whether local officials may have interfered with federal law enforcement operations.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump warned that he is prepared to consider invoking the Insurrection Act if violence or widespread disorder continues. The law permits the president to deploy federal forces or federalize National Guard units in response to serious domestic unrest.
