A St. Paul School Board member co-organized a protest that occurred during a Sunday worship service at Cities Church. The event is now the subject of a federal investigation by the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division regarding potential violations of the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. Some religious liberty organizations have characterized the action as “lawless harassment,” citing concerns about disruptions targeting religious institutions.
Story Highlights
- An elected St. Paul School Board member, Chauntyll Allen, co-organized a protest at Cities Church during a Sunday service.
- The Department of Justice initiated a federal investigation regarding potential violations of the FACE Act for the disruption of the worship service.
- Protesters reportedly chanted for approximately 23 minutes inside the sanctuary, with the demonstration targeting a pastor allegedly connected to federal enforcement activity.
- A religious liberty group characterized the event as “lawless harassment,” citing concerns over constitutional protections.
Elected Official Co-Organizes Church Demonstration
Chauntyll Allen, an elected St. Paul School Board member, co-organized the January 18, 2026, event where 30-40 individuals entered Cities Church on Summit Avenue during a worship service. This participation by an elected official in a public demonstration targeting a religious facility has drawn commentary. During the event, participants chanted “Justice for Renee Good!” and “ICE out!” for approximately 23 minutes inside the main area before continuing the demonstration outdoors.
The action was reportedly organized after social media activity identified David Easterwood, a pastor listed on the church website, with federal records showing an individual of the same name serves as Acting Field Office Director for ICE’s St. Paul office. Sources have noted that independent confirmation that the pastor and the federal official are the same person is not available. The demonstration proceeded despite this lack of confirmation.
St. Paul public schools Board of Education member was one of the protestors who burst into the church yesterday 👇 https://t.co/rqntjO03Mm
— Illinois is broke and corrupt (@IsIllinois) January 20, 2026
Department of Justice Initiates Federal Investigation
The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division has announced an investigation into potential violations of the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act related to the event. The FACE Act is a federal statute that protects religious facilities from interference and intimidation. A statement from the administration noted that the action aligns with a commitment to defending religious liberty.
The North American Mission Board, affiliated with Cities Church, issued a characterization of the event as “not a protest; it was lawless harassment” and committed to providing support for the church. This response indicates increased concern among some religious institutions regarding the potential for politically motivated interruptions during scheduled worship times.
🔥🚨 BREAKING: One of the anti-ICE protesters who stormed a Christian church has been identified as Chauntyll Allen, a school board member for Saint Paul Public Schools
INSANE! 🔥 Her salary is PAID by the residents of Saint Paul that she persecuted, in CHURCH…
Thousands are… pic.twitter.com/zYfL53py2h
— The Patriot Oasis™ (@ThePatriotOasis) January 19, 2026
Religious Leader Comments on Demonstration Tactics
Bishop Robert Barron provided a statement on the demonstration tactics, characterizing the interruption as “unacceptable” irrespective of political motivation. “I don’t care what is animating or annoying you, I don’t care what your political persuasion might be, invading a church is unacceptable and is a violation of religious liberty,” Barron stated. These comments illustrate concern among religious leaders regarding the use of houses of worship for political demonstrations.
Some commentators have suggested the incident represents an escalation of tactics affecting the constitutional principle of religious freedom. Involvement by elected officials in organizing such events has been cited as a point of concern regarding institutional support for actions that affect constitutional protections.
Sources:
Protesters disrupt Southern Baptist church of pastor who leads ICE office in Minnesota
DOJ investigating protest at St. Paul church Sunday morning
Prominent Catholic bishop slams anti-ICE agitators who disrupted church service: ‘Unacceptable’
Christian leaders urge worshippers’ rights after protesters interrupt service
