The Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into anti-ICE protesters who stormed a Minneapolis church Sunday, invoking the same federal laws once used by the Biden administration to imprison peaceful pro-life activists. The protesters disrupted a worship service at Cities Church, accusing the pastor of being an ICE agent, while chanting anti-law enforcement slogans and occupying the sanctuary.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon confirmed that the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division is investigating possible violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and the “conspiracy against rights” statute, also known as the “KKK Act.” These laws, designed to protect both religious institutions and medical facilities, have been disproportionately used under the Biden administration to target pro-life Americans. In contrast, churches and pregnancy centers vandalized in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs ruling were largely ignored.
The FACE Act prohibits threats, force, or obstruction against individuals seeking or providing reproductive health services or exercising religious freedom at a house of worship. Despite its dual purpose, over 97 percent of FACE Act prosecutions have targeted pro-life individuals. Dhillon emphasized that the law is meant to protect churches as well, and stated the DOJ will pursue all available charges.
The Sunday incident was broadcast live by former CNN anchor Don Lemon, who entered the church and filmed the protest. Though Lemon denied being part of the group, Dhillon said he may still face charges, citing his knowledge of the protest in advance and his actions inside the church. “Committing journalism” is not a defense against participating in a criminal conspiracy, she said.
Sen. Josh Hawley and other lawmakers have previously criticized the Biden DOJ for its selective use of federal law, including tacking on “KKK Act” charges to peaceful pro-life protests to increase potential prison sentences. Some activists faced over a decade in prison for nonviolent demonstrations, including an 89-year-old Holocaust survivor and multiple Christian parents.
Dhillon confirmed the investigation will explore whether protest organizers crossed state lines, used mail or electronic communications, or received external funding—factors that could lead to additional federal charges. “Everyone in the protest community needs to know that the fullest force of the federal government is going to come down and prevent this from happening and put people away for a long, long time,” she warned.
