Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Allen Arrested by Feds for Cities Church Protest

January 22, 2026— Minnesota civil and human rights leaders Dr. Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Allen were arrested by federal agents today for their roles in organizing and participating in a protest inside Cities Church in St. Paul this past Sunday.

Both activists appeared in federal court this afternoon, where confusion initially surrounded the basis for their arrests. According to reporters in the courtroom, neither Nekima, Chauntyll, nor their attorneys had been provided arrest warrants. The judge ordered a recess and directed federal prosecutors to produce the warrants before proceedings could continue.

When court resumed, prosecutors disclosed that the two are facing felony charges of “Conspiracy Against Rights,” a statute most commonly associated with prosecutions of the Ku Klux Klan. The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. It remains unclear how the actions of the protesters meet the legal threshold for this charge.

What happened?

The protest targeted Cities Church in Saint Paul, where David Easterwood, pastor and head of ICE’s St. Paul field office, works. Protesters entered the church to call for ICE to leave Minnesota. Easterwood was not present during the protest, which is documented on camera as peaceful.

Following the arrests, community activists held a press conference in Minneapolis condemning the charges and demanding their dismissal, calling the case an effort to criminalize dissent against ICE. It was also revealed that the federal government sought warrants for journalists who reported on the protest, though those requests were denied.

Minneapolis City Council Member Robin Wonsley spoke after the press conference, calling for solidarity and highlighting the long history of Black women leading movements for justice.

“This is a time to demonstrate solidarity with Black women who constantly put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms of everyone.”

The judge ordered both Nekima and Chauntyll released without bail, but their release has been delayed after federal prosecutors filed an appeal. As of this update, neither has been released.

Watch

Jan 20, 2026

Two days after the Cities Church protest, organizers held a press conference to demand Pastor David Easterwood resign over ICE leadership conflict.