A federal affidavit filed by Homeland Security Investigations has detailed a disturbing incident at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Jan. 18, when anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protesters appeared to storm a Sunday worship service.
According to investigators, the group’s actions went far beyond political protest, creating chaos, intimidating congregants and preventing parents from reaching their children.
The affidavit, submitted in support of arrest warrants, paints a picture of an aggressive and dangerous confrontation inside a house of worship.
Federal authorities reported that the protesters entered the church while services were underway, shouting anti-ICE slogans.
Parishioners described being “intimidated, harassed, oppressed, and terrorized,” with children present during the disruption.
Witnesses said the intruders’ behavior was loud, sudden, and aggressive, leaving families unsure how to respond and concerned about potential escalation.
As the protest intensified, congregants attempted to flee through a side door. One female parishioner reportedly fell and suffered an injury amid the scramble to exit.
Several witnesses noted that the protesters positioned themselves in ways that obstructed safe passage, heightening fear for the families trying to leave.
Parents attempting to reach the church’s child care area were blocked, preventing them from retrieving their children.
One witness told investigators that parents were “unable to get their children” as agitators physically obstructed movement throughout the church.
The affidavit provides particularly alarming accounts of interactions with children. Some protesters reportedly yelled directly at parishioners, including young children who were visibly distressed.
One church member said an agitator screamed in the faces of crying children, while another parishioner said the scene felt akin to a mass shooting.
One child later told a parent, “Daddy, I thought you were going to die,” highlighting the emotional trauma experienced by the congregation.
Federal authorities emphasized that the affidavit focuses on the actions of the protesters rather than their political motivations.
Investigators noted that the behavior crossed the line from peaceful demonstration to criminal harassment and intimidation.
The filing raises critical concerns about public safety, religious freedom and the protection of children in politically charged settings.
The incident has sparked wider attention to aggressive protest tactics targeting religious institutions. Witnesses described protesters blocking hallways, shouting directly at worshippers and creating confusion as families tried to escape.
Church members reported fear and panic, underscoring the risks posed to both children and adults in these situations.
Federal agents documented the psychological impact, noting visible distress, fear and injuries resulting from the confrontation.
Authorities have not commented publicly on potential charges beyond what is included in the affidavit, but the filing indicates that investigators view the disruption as a serious violation of law.
The case underscores the need to ensure that places of worship remain safe spaces for congregants to practice their faith without fear of intimidation or harm.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed when protest tactics cross the line into harassment, particularly in spaces that are meant to provide refuge.
Federal officials appear determined to hold accountable those who threaten the safety and well-being of American citizens during peaceful worship, emphasizing that religious freedom and public safety must be protected in tandem.
