Bondi Strikes Fast–Church ATTACK MASTERMINDS ARRESTED

Federal agents arrested two far-left activists who orchestrated a brazen attack on worshippers at a St. Paul church, deploying the FACE Act to protect religious freedom in a dramatic reversal of how this law was weaponized during the Biden years.

Story Snapshot

FBI arrested Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen under the FACE Act after they led dozens of anti-ICE protesters into Cities Church during Sunday services on January 18, 2026
Protesters stormed the worship service chanting “ICE out” and screaming at congregants including frightened children, targeting Pastor David Easterwood who also serves as ICE St. Paul field office acting director
Attorney General Pam Bondi directed the swift arrests within four days, signaling the Trump administration’s zero-tolerance policy for attacks on houses of worship
The FACE Act, previously used against pro-life activists under Biden, now protects church services from radical leftist disruption in a significant legal precedent shift

Swift Federal Response to Church Invasion

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on January 22, 2026, that FBI and Homeland Security Investigations agents arrested civil rights lawyer Nekima Levy Armstrong and St. Paul School Board member Chauntyll Louisa Allen. The charges stem from their role in organizing and executing an invasion of Cities Church during Sunday worship services four days earlier. Bondi made clear additional arrests could follow, emphasizing the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting religious liberty. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the suspects face federal charges under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act for interfering with religious exercise.

Chaos and Fear During Sunday Worship

On January 18, 2026, dozens of anti-ICE activists burst into Cities Church in St. Paul during an active worship service. The mob chanted slogans including “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good” while screaming directly at church members attempting to worship. Children present during the disruption were visibly frightened by the aggressive confrontation. The protesters specifically targeted Pastor David Easterwood due to his dual role as the acting director of the ICE St. Paul field office. One participant later defended the invasion stating it was “what needed to be done,” showing zero remorse for terrorizing families in their place of worship.

Church Denounces Unlawful Attack on Religious Freedom

Cities Church issued a formal statement on January 20, 2026, condemning the disruption as “shameful, unlawful” and emphasizing that invading a church service violates both Christian principles and federal law. The congregation made clear that while peaceful protest is protected, physically entering a house of worship to intimidate believers crosses a constitutional line. This attack represents exactly the type of assault on religious freedom that conservatives have warned about as radical activists grow bolder. The church’s statement underscores that protecting worship spaces from mob disruption is fundamental to First Amendment protections that built this nation.

Activist Backgrounds and Political Connections

Nekima Levy Armstrong leads the Racial Justice Network and has been ordained as a reverend since 2016, yet she coordinated an attack on fellow Christians exercising their faith. Armstrong has a documented history of far-left activism including organizing boycotts against Target over diversity, equity, and inclusion policy changes. Chauntyll Louisa Allen serves on the St. Paul School Board, raising serious questions about her judgment and fitness to oversee children’s education while facing federal charges. Armstrong posted on Facebook accusing Pastor Easterwood of a conflict of interest for serving both his congregation and country, apparently believing his ICE duties somehow disqualified him from ministry.

Think Don Lemon is nervous? Heh.

GAME OVER! FBI Just Arrested 'Masterminds' Who Thought Storming St. Paul Cities Church Was a Good Ideahttps://t.co/vRuzlKLcvz pic.twitter.com/KuIH9Fe5Rp

— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) January 22, 2026

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem telegraphed the coming arrests during a January 20 Newsmax appearance, stating accountability was imminent for those “violating the law.” The Trump administration’s rapid response demonstrates a clear departure from the previous administration’s tolerance for leftist disruptions. By applying the FACE Act to protect church services rather than exclusively targeting pro-life activists, federal prosecutors have restored balance to religious freedom enforcement. This sends an unmistakable message that houses of worship will receive equal protection under law regardless of political pressure from activist groups opposed to immigration enforcement.