JUST IN : Protesters shut down Cities Church congregation this morning after discovering that one of the lead pastors is an ICE agent….

protesters stormed into Cities Church, a Southern Baptist Convention congregation in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area (often referred to interchangeably as Minneapolis or St. Paul), abruptly halting a morning worship service. The demonstrators accused one of the church’s lead pastors of working as an agent—or more specifically, in a leadership role—with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The incident was captured live during a stream by former CNN anchor Don Lemon, who was present documenting the events.

The protest unfolded amid heightened tensions in the Twin Cities following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good earlier in January during an ICE operation. Good’s death has sparked widespread outrage, protests, and clashes between demonstrators and federal agents, with some reports highlighting aggressive enforcement tactics that have fueled accusations of rights violations.
The Disruption Unfolds
Footage from the scene shows protesters entering the sanctuary mid-service, chanting slogans such as “Hands Up, Don’t’t Shoot!” and “ICE OUT,” while repeatedly invoking the name of Renee Good. The group demanded accountability, confronting the congregation over claims that Pastor David Easterwood serves a dual role as both a church leader and the Acting Field Office Director for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in the St. Paul region. Social media users and livestream viewers reportedly cross-referenced Easterwood’s name with public records, including church leadership pages and past federal appearances (such as a press conference with Department of Homeland Security officials), to support the allegation.
The intrusion lasted approximately 20 minutes, during which the service was effectively shut down. Congregants appeared visibly shaken, with some shouting for the protesters to leave and others becoming emotional. One attendee reportedly questioned Lemon about his involvement, to which he responded that he was present as a journalist, not an activist, to document the situation.
In commentary during the stream, Lemon defended the right to protest, drawing parallels to historical civil rights actions and suggesting that such disruptions could mark “the beginning of what’s going to happen here” in response to perceived overreach by immigration authorities. He emphasized First Amendment protections while acknowledging the discomfort caused to worshippers.
Controversy and Reactions
The event quickly drew sharp criticism from various quarters. Conservative commentators and online accounts described the action as a “far-left mob” or “leftist rioters” invading a place of worship, with some calling it disrespectful and unacceptable. Reports highlighted outrage over the interruption of a private religious service, with one older congregant interviewed by Lemon after the fact agreeing that while protest rights exist, they do not extend to disrupting sacred gatherings.
Others pointed to broader context, including claims of ICE abuses in the region, and celebrated the protest as “good trouble” or justified resistance against alleged hypocrisy—particularly if a pastor holds a high-level enforcement position. Some online discussions invoked biblical references, such as Jesus overturning tables in the temple, to frame the action.
The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights division, through Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, indicated that the incident is under investigation, potentially in relation to laws protecting access to religious facilities.
Unresolved Questions
While a David Easterwood is confirmed as ICE’s Field Office Director in St. Paul based on public records and past statements, independent verification that this is the same individual listed as a pastor at Cities Church remains limited in major reporting. News outlets have noted the name match but stressed that confirmation from church authorities or official sources is pending.
The disruption reflects escalating divisions over immigration enforcement in Minnesota, where recent federal operations have led to widespread demonstrations and fears among communities. As protests continue, the incident at Cities Church has become a flashpoint in the national debate over protest tactics, religious freedom, and accountability in immigration policy.
This developing story highlights the intense emotions surrounding ICE actions in the area, with more demonstrations expected in the coming days.