DOJ investigates church disruption tied to ICE allegations (Full Transcript)

Federal officials probe Minnesota church protest after claims a pastor is linked to local ICE leadership amid controversy over enforcement tactics.
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[00:00:03] Speaker 1: The Department of Justice said it's investigating a group of protestors who disrupted a church service in Minnesota. Protestors allege that one of the church's pastors, David Easterwood, is a leader of the local ICE field office, according to the Associated Press. That office is overseeing operations that have involved violent tactics and alleged illegal arrests. Video was posted on the Facebook page of Black Lives Matter Minnesota, one of the organizers of the protests. It's unclear if Easterwood was at this Sunday service. The website of City's church, which is based in St. Paul, lists David Easterwood as a pastor. His personal details also appear to match the court filings of the acting director of the ICE field office in St. Paul, according to the Associated Press. In October, Easterwood can also be seen alongside DHS Secretary Kristi Noem at a press conference. A U.S. Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General said on X her agency is investigating federal civil rights violations of the protestors for, quote, desecrating a house of worship and interfering with Christian worshipers. Meanwhile, Black Lives Matter Minnesota co-founder Monique Cullors-Doty said, We can't sit back idly and watch people go and be led astray. City's church did not respond for comment on Sunday evening, and Easterwood's personal contact information could not immediately be located for comment.

ai AI Insights
Arow Summary
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating protesters who disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, after organizers alleged that a pastor, David Easterwood, is also the acting director of the local ICE field office tied to controversial enforcement actions. Video of the disruption was posted by Black Lives Matter Minnesota, which says the protest aimed to challenge what it views as harm caused by ICE operations. The church listing and reported matching personal details suggest a link between Easterwood and the ICE role, though it’s unclear whether he attended the service. A DOJ official said the agency is examining potential federal civil-rights violations related to interference with worship, while organizers argue they are speaking out against alleged abuses. The church did not respond to requests for comment.
Arow Title
DOJ probes protest disrupting Minnesota church over ICE ties
Arow Keywords
Department of Justice Remove
Minnesota Remove
St. Paul Remove
City's Church Remove
David Easterwood Remove
ICE field office Remove
Black Lives Matter Minnesota Remove
church service disruption Remove
civil rights investigation Remove
Kristi Noem Remove
DHS Remove
Associated Press Remove
Arow Key Takeaways
  • DOJ is investigating protesters who disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota.
  • Protesters allege pastor David Easterwood is also linked to leadership of the local ICE field office.
  • Video of the disruption was posted by Black Lives Matter Minnesota.
  • DOJ officials say they are examining possible federal civil-rights violations related to worship interference.
  • The church did not respond to requests for comment, and it’s unclear whether Easterwood attended the service.
Arow Sentiments
Neutral: The passage reports allegations and an investigation with competing claims—DOJ framing the act as interference with worship and organizers framing it as protest against alleged ICE abuses—without endorsing either side.
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