In brief
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating a protest that disrupted services at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where David Easterwood, an official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, serves as a pastor. Demonstrators interrupted the service chanting demands for justice related to the shooting of a mother by an ICE agent. The DOJ has expressed concern over potential civil rights violations, arguing that a place of worship should be free from protests. Activists have criticized the investigation as a distraction from federal immigration practices they deem harmful.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice has announced an investigation into a recent protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, which was disrupted by demonstrators protesting the actions of local ICE officials. The protest was triggered by the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a mother of three, by an ICE agent earlier this month as federal immigration enforcement operations ramped up in the area.
Protesters shouted slogans including ICE out and Justice for Renee Good, directing their anger at David Easterwood, who not only serves as a pastor at the church but is also identified as the acting director of the local ICE field office. A livestreamed video of the protest showcased the demonstrators' opposition to Easterwood’s dual roles amidst recent violent tactics employed by ICE agents in enforcing immigration laws.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated that the investigation will focus on potential civil rights violations arising from the protest, underscoring that houses of worship should not be used as venues for protests. A place of worship should be respected as a space where individuals can practice their faith without interruption, Dhillon stated via social media.
Nekima Levy Armstrong, a key organizer from the Racial Justice Network who participated in the protest, condemned the DOJ's investigation as a distraction, arguing that the focus should instead be on keeping families safe from aggressive federal enforcement measures. She expressed her astonishment at the juxtaposition of a church leader overseeing ICE operations while being part of the local clergy.
The church did not respond to requests for comments, and it remains unclear whether Easterwood was present during the disruption. Nonetheless, legal actions in prior court filings indicate that he has defended ICE against claims of excessive force. As tensions rise over immigration policies, the DOJ's investigation is set against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny on federal actions affecting immigrant communities.
