The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated an investigation into anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota. This move follows a significant incident on Sunday, when a group of demonstrators entered the Cities Church sanctuary during worship, mistakenly believing that one of the pastors was the acting director of ICE’s local field office.
The investigation is grounded in the provisions of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act of 1994, which prohibits any interference with religious worship. Senior advisor to the DOJ, Alina Habba, emphasized the department’s commitment to holding all individuals involved accountable, including potential outside funders who may have supported the protests.
During an interview on Fox & Friends, Habba stated, “The FACE Act is a long-standing federal statute that prohibits force, threats, obstruction, or any kind of interference with a religious place of worship. It carries criminal penalties for violations.” The department’s response comes amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the role of ICE.
The protesters reportedly targeted the church due to its connection to local ICE operations, expressing outrage over past enforcement actions. Habba elaborated on the DOJ’s approach, indicating that the investigation would encompass not just the protesters but also officials such as the mayor and governor of Minnesota, if necessary. She reiterated, “Everybody will be subject to the probe,” regarding the inquiry’s broad scope.
The FACE Act specifically prohibits the use or threat of force that impedes individuals from accessing reproductive health services or exercising their First Amendment rights at places of worship. Habba noted that the DOJ would particularly scrutinize whether the protests were financed by external sources, stating, “If you are funding mass protests that are not righteous, this Department of Justice will come down on you.”
Furthermore, Habba assured that Attorney General Pam Bondi would enforce strict measures against anyone attempting to intimidate worshippers or law enforcement officers. “It’s just not going to happen in this administration,” she asserted, indicating a zero-tolerance policy towards such actions.
This investigation reflects broader national conversations about the intersection of immigration policy and civil rights, as protests have gained momentum in various cities across the United States. The DOJ’s actions in Minnesota may set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future.
As the situation develops, the DOJ aims to ensure that the rights of individuals to worship freely are upheld while balancing the interests of law enforcement. The outcome of this investigation may have significant implications for both community relations and the enforcement of immigration laws.
The incident at Cities Church highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, which have prompted diverse reactions across the country. The DOJ’s investigation seeks not only to address this specific incident but also to reinforce the importance of protecting places of worship from disruption.
