DOJ to Charge Activists Disrupting Church Led by Minnesota ICE Pastor
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced an investigation into protesters who disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota. This church is linked to a local official from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The protests occurred at Cities Church, where David Easterwood, identified as a pastor, reportedly oversees operations of the local ICE field office.
Background of the Protest
Protesters gathered on a Sunday to voice their discontent, chanting slogans such as “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good.” Their demonstration was in response to the recent death of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis earlier this month. Activists assert that these disruptions were necessary to highlight the violent tactics employed by ICE in the community.
Statements from Officials
- Harmeet Dhillon: Assistant Attorney General described the protests as violations of civil rights, stressing that a house of worship should not be a venue for protests.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi: Confirmed that any violations of federal law during the protest would face prosecution.
Nekima Levy Armstrong, a protest participant and leader of the Racial Justice Network, criticized the DOJ’s investigation, labeling it as a distraction from the actions of federal agents. She emphasized the moral implications of having someone affiliated with ICE serving as a pastor.
David Easterwood’s Role
David Easterwood is listed on the Cities Church website as a pastor, and he has been implicated in overseeing controversial ICE operations. His involvement in federal enforcement activities raises questions among community members and activists about the appropriateness of his dual roles.
Community Reactions
Community leaders, including Monique Cullars-Doty of Black Lives Matter Minnesota, expressed strong opposition to the DOJ’s stance. They argue that the real focus should be on the actions of ICE rather than the protests that highlight these issues.
- Cullars-Doty remarked on the ethical concerns regarding church leadership and its intersection with federal law enforcement.
- Armstrong called for a reevaluation of priorities, suggesting that the focus should be on federal agency conduct rather than protests in sacred spaces.
The Response from ICE
ICE has condemned the protests, claiming that they are targeting places of worship to disrupt law enforcement efforts. The agency insists that its agents are dedicated to protecting public safety amid rising tensions and threats against them.
Conclusion
The DOJ’s investigation will examine the actions of the protesters and their implications for civil rights. Meanwhile, the tensions between community activists and federal enforcement agencies continue to escalate, highlighting a growing divide over immigration policies and enforcement tactics.
