Homeland Security on Friday announced the arrests of three alleged ringleaders of a “planned riot” at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Civil rights activists Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen, allegedly helped organize the protest at the Cities Church on Jan. 18.
William Kelly, an activist and Army veteran, was also arrested for his involvement in the demonstrations.
All three individuals are being charged under 18 USC 241, which makes it unlawful for two or more people to threaten or intimidate others “free exercise or enjoyment” of their constitutionally protected rights or privileges.
According to federal officials, a group of “agitators” stormed into the church, shouting at churchgoers in the middle of Sunday services. Protestors had targeted the church and accused one of its pastors of working for ICE.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) immediately launched a civil rights probe after the group interrupted church services.
It's unclear if the three individuals have retained legal representation.
Pastor Jonathan Parnell said in a statement that his church was considering legal action against those who "accosted members of our congregation, frightened children, and created a scene marked by intimidation and threat."
Tensions have escalated in Minnesota after 37-year-old Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent when she drove a vehicle toward the agent during a federal enforcement operation. The operation in Minnesota is part of President Donald Trump's nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration and criminal activity.