Protest Disrupts Church Service in St. Paul Over ICE Tactics

Protesters interrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 20, 2025, in response to a pastor’s alleged connections with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The demonstration heightened existing tensions between residents and the Trump administration following the shooting death of a woman by an immigration agent in Minneapolis.

Videos shared on social media captured the moment when protesters disrupted the worship at Cities Church. Congregants were seen leaving as chants filled the space, halting the service. The protest was organized by civil rights lawyer Nekima Levy Armstrong, who aimed to highlight the role of David Easterwood, the church leader and acting director of ICE’s field office for enforcement and removal operations in St. Paul. Easterwood is also named in a lawsuit challenging the agency’s aggressive enforcement tactics.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced it is investigating the incident, citing a 1994 law that prohibits using force or intimidation to interfere with worship at religious institutions. Pam Bondi, the Attorney General, stated that she had spoken with the pastor of the church and emphasized that “attacks against law enforcement and the intimidation of Christians are being met with the full force of federal law.”

Tensions have escalated in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area following the recent shooting of Renee Good by immigration agent Jonathan Ross. This incident has sparked widespread anger regarding ICE’s tactics and their impact on local communities.

Activist Group Displays Controversial Birthday Card in Washington

In a separate event, a large replica of a birthday card reportedly from Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein was unveiled on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., coinciding with Epstein’s birthday on January 20. The installation was created by the activist group The Secret Handshake, which previously erected a statue depicting Trump and Epstein shaking hands.

The oversized card features a fictional dialogue between Trump and Epstein, concluding with the line, “A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.” This card appears to draw from a file released by Congress in September 2025, which Trump has dismissed as a fabrication.

Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing associated with Epstein, who faced serious charges related to child sex trafficking before his death in a Manhattan jail. The former president has stated, “I never wrote a picture in my life. I don’t draw pictures of women,” and he even filed a lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal for $10 billion over the publication of the card.

Both events reflect ongoing national debates about immigration enforcement and the controversial relationships surrounding high-profile figures. As protests and public demonstrations continue, the dialogue around these issues remains increasingly charged.