People take part in a protest in solidarity with Minneapolis and against U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in New York City, U.S., January 23, 2026. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
(Minneapolis, Minnesota) – Federal authorities have arrested 25 additional individuals in connection with the disruption of a worship service at Cities Church in Minnesota, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Friday. Five more suspects are still being sought.
According to Bondi, the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed a federal indictment charging 30 people tied to what officials described as an attack on a house of worship.
“At my direction, federal agents have already arrested 25 of them, with more to come throughout the day,” Bondi wrote in a public statement.
Today, @thejusticedept unsealed an indictment charging 30 more people who took part in the attack on Cities Church in Minnesota.
At my direction, federal agents have already arrested 25 of them, with more to come throughout the day.
YOU CANNOT ATTACK A HOUSE OF WORSHIP. If you…
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) February 27, 2026
She added a warning to those involved:
“You cannot attack a house of worship. If you do so, you cannot hide from us — we will find you, arrest you, and prosecute you.”
What Authorities Are Alleging
Federal prosecutors say the group took part in a coordinated disruption inside Cities Church during a service earlier this year. Officials have characterized the incident as more than a protest, alleging it interfered with congregants’ right to freely exercise their religion.
While full charging documents were not immediately released publicly, authorities indicated the case involves federal civil rights statutes that protect houses of worship from intimidation or obstruction.
Broader Context
The Minnesota incident unfolded amid heightened tensions over immigration enforcement and opposition to ICE operations in the region. Protesters had previously gathered in the Twin Cities area following controversial enforcement actions.
Supporters of the arrests argue that freedom of protest does not extend to disrupting religious services. Critics, however, say the charges raise concerns about how protest activity is being prosecuted at the federal level.
What’s Next
With 25 in custody and five suspects still outstanding, federal officials say additional arrests could occur in the coming days. Those charged will face federal court proceedings, where prosecutors must prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Department of Justice has indicated it intends to aggressively pursue cases involving alleged interference with religious worship.
