Anti-ICE agitators filmed inside St. Paul church as worship service was disrupted; videos say protesters accused pastor of ICE ties
Minneapolis protests erupted after Renee Good was fatally shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7, 2026, prompting widespread condemnation, vigils and demands for accountability as community leaders press for policy changes and independent investigations.
Key takeaways
- Video clips show demonstrators entering Cities Church during a Sunday service and chanting “Justice for Renee Good.”
- Unverified claim: protesters accused a pastor of ties to ICE; Times Media Service has not independently confirmed that link.
- Context: the disruption follows days of large demonstrations after the January 7 shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent.
- Officials and faith leaders warn interrupting worship can inflame tensions; church and police had not confirmed the incident at publication.
What the videos show — and what remains unverified
Multiple short clips circulating on social platforms depict people entering the sanctuary at Cities Church as a Sunday service began. In one clip a group moves down the center aisle and stands in front of the congregation while the pastor speaks, with audible chants of “Justice for Renee Good.”
One person filming narrates the action as a “clandestine mission,” saying the group believed “one of the pastors at the church was connected to ICE.” That claim is repeated in captions and posts; Times Media Service reviewed the clips but has not verified whether any pastor at Cities Church has current or past ties to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Law enforcement and religious leaders express concern
Religious leaders across the Twin Cities voiced alarm at reports that worship services are being interrupted. Clergy emphasized that houses of worship traditionally serve as places of refuge and community debate, and that targeting sanctuaries can escalate tensions and endanger worshippers.
Law enforcement agencies, already stretched by large demonstrations in Minneapolis and St. Paul related to the Renee Good shooting, have been managing crowds and balancing the right to protest with the right of congregations to hold services without disruption. A St. Paul Police Department spokesperson had not confirmed the church incident to Times Media Service as of publication.
Context: Renee Good shooting and the surge in anti-ICE protests
The broader backdrop is the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7, 2026, in Minneapolis — a case that has prompted widespread outrage, vigils and sustained demonstrations demanding accountability and changes to ICE operations. Activists have staged rallies and marches in both Minneapolis and St. Paul, at times directing protests at ICE offices and officials.
For background reporting on the shooting and the protests, see coverage from Star Tribune, Minnesota Public Radio, and national wire services such as the Associated Press.
Why Times Media Service is treating the church incident cautiously
Times Media Service relied on social media clips as the primary evidence of the reported sanctuary disruption. Because videos can be edited, miscaptioned or lack context, the news organization was unable to corroborate the identity of those in the footage, the full sequence of events, or the allegation of an ICE connection by the time of publication.
Attempts to reach Cities Church leadership and the St. Paul Police Department for comment were made prior to publication but had not yielded responses; the church’s public channels did not post an official statement about the reported incident as of publication.
Implications for Las Vegas, Nevada
Although the reported disruption occurred in St. Paul, the controversy has potential ripple effects in other cities, including Las Vegas. Local civic and business leaders, faith groups and elected officials may face pressure and be prompted to reassess plans related to protests, security and public communications.
Economic and civic impacts
Solidarity protests or vigils in Las Vegas could lead to temporary street closures, increased police presence and short-term impacts on downtown foot traffic. Event organizers and businesses may prepare contingency plans to address potential disruptions.
Political consequences
Local officials and candidates might be asked to take public positions on ICE policies and federal immigration enforcement. Discussions could prompt reviews of cooperation policies or public statements on immigration enforcement and accountability.
Social and community effects
Faith groups, immigrant-rights organizations and interfaith coalitions in Las Vegas may intensify outreach, education and mutual-aid efforts. Religious leaders could reassess security protocols and communication strategies to protect congregations while encouraging lawful, nonviolent protest tactics.
Cultural relevance and public conversation
The St. Paul incident — verified or not — contributes to a national debate about protest boundaries and the role of religious institutions in public controversies. Community members are advised to follow local reporting and consult clergy or organizers about how services and events may be affected.
Reporting status and where to find updates
- Times Media Service reviewed multiple social media clips but could not confirm the identities of individuals in the videos or the allegation regarding a pastor’s ICE ties.
- Requests for comment to Cities Church and St. Paul police were unanswered at publication.
- Readers seeking background reporting on the broader demonstrations and the incident that sparked them can consult Star Tribune, Minnesota Public Radio, and the Associated Press.
Contact: Readers with firsthand information, video or eyewitness accounts about the reported Sunday disruption at Cities Church are encouraged to contact Times Media Service. Times Media Service will continue attempting to verify the reports and will update this story as more information becomes available.
