• DOJ investigates protesters who interrupted St. Paul church service targeting ICE pastor
• Demonstrators chanted “ICE out!” and forced service to stop, federal probe launched
• Trump demands jail or deportation, describing protesters as “agitators and insurrectionists”

ST. PAUL, MN (TDR) — The Department of Justice has opened a federal investigation into protesters who interrupted a Christian church service in St. Paul on Sunday, chanting “ICE out!” and forcing the service to stop after targeting a pastor who is reportedly a top local official with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. President Donald Trump sharply condemned the anti-ICE protest, describing the demonstrators as “agitators and insurrectionists” and said they should be “thrown in jail, or thrown out of the Country.”

Federal agents executed search warrants at two Minneapolis homes Monday morning and seized phones, banners and social-media accounts linked to the protest, according to a DOJ statement and court documents obtained by TDR.

“We will not allow violent agitators to disrupt houses of worship or target federal employees,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger in a Monday press briefing.

Service Shutdown

About 40 demonstrators entered St. Paul’s Living Word Christian Center during the 10 a.m. service, chanting “ICE out!” and displaying banners that read “Deport ICE, Not People.” Witnesses say the group marched down the center aisle, forcing Pastor David Nelson—allegedly a top ICE field-office director—to halt the sermon and leave the pulpit.

Cell-phone video shows protesters locking arms in front of the altar, singing hymns with rewritten anti-ICE lyrics before police arrived and escorted them out. No injuries were reported, but the service was cancelled for the day.

“They came in like a flash mob, shouting over the choir,” parishioner Maria Gonzalez told local media. “We were scared.”

Federal Investigation

The DOJ is investigating under 18 U.S.C. § 372 (conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers) and 18 U.S.C. § 111 (assaulting federal employees). Search-warrant affidavits allege protesters:

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• coordinated via encrypted messaging apps;
• reconnoitered the church three times before Sunday;
• targeted Nelson because of his alleged ICE supervisory role.

FBI agents seized banners, bullhorns and at least 12 phones during Monday raids. No arrests have been made, but prosecutors say indictments are “imminent.”

“We are reviewing all evidence to determine appropriate federal charges,” said FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin Winston.

Trump Reaction

President Trump condemned the protest during a Monday Oval Office signing, calling demonstrators “agitators and insurrectionists” and demanding harsh punishment.

“They should be thrown in jail, or thrown out of the Country. We will not tolerate this kind of disrespect to our federal officers or our houses of worship,” Trump said.

White House sources say the President has directed the DOJ to “pursue maximum charges” and is considering designating the protest group as a “criminal organization.”

Church Response

Living Word Christian Center issued a statement condemning the protest but expressing willingness to “engage in respectful dialogue about immigration policy.” Pastor Nelson—whose ICE affiliation has not been officially confirmed—did not speak publicly Monday.

“We pray for all involved and trust the legal process to handle this appropriately,” the church said.

Minnesota Context

The protest is the latest flashpoint in Minnesota’s intensifying immigration debate. Minneapolis has seen weekly ICE opposition rallies since the Trump administration launched its nationwide crackdown in January 2026.

Federal courts in Minnesota are also handling multiple challenges to the crackdown, including a class-action lawsuit over ICE raids in suburban apartment complexes.

“This is not just about one church—it’s about the direction of federal immigration policy,” said ACLU-MN legal director Sarah Johnson.

Legal Landscape

Legal experts say the federal investigation is unusual but not unprecedented. Professor Jane Anderson of the University of Minnesota Law School notes that 18 U.S.C. § 372 has rarely been applied to church protests but could stick if prosecutors prove intent to impede federal officers.

“The key is proving the protesters knew their target was a federal official and intended to obstruct his duties,” Anderson said.

Political Fallout

Republicans hailed the DOJ probe as a stand for law and order. House Judiciary Chair Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) praised the investigation, calling the protest “domestic terrorism targeting federal employees.”

Democrats warned against criminalizing peaceful protest. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) said:

“Peaceful protest is protected speech. We must not conflate dissent with terrorism.”

Next Steps

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

• 22 Jan — DOJ expected to announce indictments;
• 24 Jan — Church holds prayer service for “unity and healing”;
• 1 Feb — Protesters’ preliminary hearing in federal court;
• TBA — House Judiciary Committee hearing on “church safety and federal employee protection.”

Bottom Line

The church protest has become the latest battleground over immigration enforcement, pitting federal authority against peaceful protest—and raising questions about where free speech ends and federal obstruction begins.

“This case will test the limits of protest rights in the age of aggressive federal enforcement,” said MinnPost legal analyst Steve Johnson.

Will the church protest set a precedent for cracking down on anti-ICE demonstrations—or will courts protect peaceful dissent?

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