Pam Bondi signals zero tolerance for anti‑ICE church protests: ‘We will find you’

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Attorney General Pam Bondi delivered a stern warning to anti‑ICE protesters after a St. Paul church service was disrupted, emphasizing that federal authorities would not tolerate illegal interference in houses of worship. Her comments came in the wake of the late-night arrest of independent journalist Don Lemon and several others tied to the protest.

Bondi highlighted that disrupting a religious service is more than a breach of etiquette—it carries serious legal consequences. 

Pam Bondi links church disruptions to criminal charges

Bondi outlined the events inside the St. Paul church, noting that nine individuals were indicted for storming the service. “All caravanning together, they stormed the church from multiple directions, screaming and chanting in unison,” Bondi said, citing the government’s account. “One man shouted, ‘This ain’t the house of God, this is the house of the devil!’”

She detailed the chaos experienced by worshippers. “Parents were blocked from getting upstairs to retrieve their children from Sunday school. Some ran out the side door, falling on ice. One woman injured her arm and required hospital care,” Bondi said. She singled out Don Lemon by name: “He blocked a parishioner, yelling at the pastor. That’s illegal.”

Bondi reiterated the Justice Department’s position: “When we say God bless America, we mean it. Disrupt a house of worship, and we will find you, indict you, and prosecute you.”

Pam Bondi warns protesters not to cross legal boundaries

Bondi also addressed protesters on social media, making a clear distinction between peaceful demonstrations and illegal actions. “Peacefully protesting is a sacred American right protected by the First Amendment,” she wrote. “Obstructing, impeding, or attacking federal law enforcement is a federal crime. So is damaging federal property. If you cross that red line, you will be arrested and prosecuted. Do not test our resolve.”

Her firm stance underscores that federal authorities will protect houses of worship and maintain law and order during protests, signaling that similar incidents elsewhere will face decisive legal action.