‘Come down hard’: White House and attorney general now respond after Christian church stormed by anti-ICE protesters
The White House and U.S. attorney general are now responding to Sunday’s invasion of a Christian church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, by anti-ICE agitators.
“President Trump will not tolerate the intimidation and harassment of Christians in their sacred places of worship,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
“The Department of Justice has launched a full investigation into the despicable incident that took place earlier today at a church in Minnesota.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced: “I just spoke to the Pastor in Minnesota whose church was targeted. Attacks against law enforcement and the intimidation of Christians are being met with the full force of federal law.
“If state leaders refuse to act responsibly to prevent lawlessness, this Department of Justice will remain mobilized to prosecute federal crimes and ensure that the rule of law prevails.”
As WorldNetDaily reported Sunday, former CNN anchor Don Lemon livestreamed the intrusion of Cities Church, a Southern Baptist congregation, as shouts of “ICE out!,” “Hands up, don’t shoot” and “Justice for Renee Good!” echoed through the building. Good was the anti-ICE activist fatally shot by a federal agent this month when she allegedly tried to run over an officer with her vehicle.
Agitators aren’t just targeting our officers. Now they’re targeting churches, too.
They’re going from hotel to hotel, church to church, hunting for federal law enforcement who are risking their lives to protect Americans.
Tim Walz and Jacob Frey are responsible for whipping… https://t.co/O3WQ6Iftfe
— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) January 18, 2026
Appearing on “Fox & Friends” Monday morning, Alina Habba, senior adviser at the Justice Department, indicated: “What the attorney general is saying is the truth. She will come down hard, the Department of Justice will come down hard, our Civil Rights Division will come down hard on anybody who tries to impede or intimidate somebody in a place of worship or a police officer or an ICE officer. It’s just not gonna happen in this administration.”
This DOJ under @AGPamBondi leadership will not tolerate intimidating people in their place of worship. We will not tolerate intimidation of federal law endorcement, and we most certainly will investigate and prosecute anyone who encourages, funds or incites the same. You are on… https://t.co/4dWidhbVRz
— Alina Habba (@AlinaHabba) January 19, 2026
Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, noted Monday on “America’s Newsroom”: “This is outright hysteria we are seeing from the left and this should be the easiest thing in the world for Tim Walz and Mayor Frey to condemn. This shouldn’t be a Republican or Democrat issue.
“These are worshipers who are practicing their First Amendment rights to worship. And yet those rights were trampled on by these protesters who trespassed and began intimidating these Christians worshiping. So I’m glad to see the Department of Justice is taking this incredibly seriously and I hope we see mugshots soon.”
This heinous act that occurred in Minnesota yesterday is receiving the highest level of attention from @TheJusticeDept. @AGPamBondi & I are working around the clock, because no right in our Constitution is more sacred than the freedom to assemble & pray to God. pic.twitter.com/kwwfI48dTZ
— AAGHarmeetDhillon (@AAGDhillon) January 19, 2026
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Not kidding: Watch Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey claim violent clashes against ICE are showing ‘LOVE’