Anti-ICE agitators force way into St. Paul church during service; videos claim pastor tied to ICE amid protests over Renee Good killing
St. Paul, Minnesota (Times Media Service) — Protesters forcibly entered Cities Church in St. Paul during a worship service, according to circulating videos, chanting for justice after Renee Good’s Jan. 7, 2026 killing by ICE agent Jonathan Ross; key claims remain unverified by independent reporting.
Key takeaways
- Video footage shows demonstrators moving into Cities Church sanctuary and chanting “Justice for Renee Good” during a service.
- Unverified allegation: a filmer claimed a pastor at the church had “connections to ICE”; Times Media Service and public records did not confirm that affiliation.
- Authorities contacted: Cities Church did not respond to requests for comment and St. Paul Police said they were reviewing reports and monitoring demonstrations.
- Context: the incident — if confirmed — would be part of a broader wave of protests after the Jan. 7 killing of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross.
What the videos show and what we could verify
Multiple short clips shared on social platforms depict a group of demonstrators moving into a sanctuary identified in posts as Cities Church. In one clip, protesters chant “Justice for Renee Good” as a service begins. In another, the person filming narrates that demonstrators have taken positions in the sanctuary and says they had learned one of the church’s pastors had “connections to ICE,” calling the action a “clandestine mission.”
Verification limits: Times Media Service reviewed the publicly shared clips and searched local and national reporting. While the footage shows a disruption inside a worship space, reporters could not independently verify the full context: who organized the disruption, the identities or stated affiliations of those inside, or whether any church leader has an employment history with ICE. As of publication, no mainstream local outlets had reported on a confirmed break-in or disruption at Cities Church.
Context: protests after the death of Renee Good
The alleged church disruption comes amid sustained protests in Minneapolis and St. Paul following the death of Renee Good on Jan. 7, 2026. Local and national outlets have documented widespread community anger and demonstrations demanding accountability after reports that ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot Good. Those reports include large street protests, rallies at federal facilities, and policy debates over immigration enforcement and the use of force.
For broader reporting and background, see searches by major outlets: Associated Press coverage search, The New York Times search results, and Star Tribune search results.
What leaders are saying (requests and responses)
Times Media Service reached out to Cities Church leadership through public contact channels to request comment and clarification about the incident and the claim of a pastor’s ties to ICE; as of publication, no response had been received. The St. Paul Police Department told Times Media Service they were reviewing reports and monitoring public safety at demonstrations across the Twin Cities and asked for time to gather details. No official report confirming or denying the church disruption had been posted at the time of reporting.
Legal context: Law enforcement and legal experts note that houses of worship are protected under state and federal law, and disruptions that rise to trespass, disorderly conduct or threats can lead to criminal charges. Religious leaders and civil liberties groups warn that targeting worship spaces could escalate tensions and chill religious practice.
Community reaction and concerns from religious leaders
Religious leaders across the Twin Cities have condemned violence while expressing solidarity with calls for accountability. Several faith leaders told Times Media Service that protest tactics should not include invasive actions inside places of worship.
“We stand with those demanding justice for Renee Good,” said one local faith leader who asked not to be named pending an official statement. “But churches and synagogues are places where people should be able to pray and grieve without being forced into confrontation.”
Civil liberties advocates such as the ACLU underscore the need to balance protest rights with protections for religious exercise and public safety; see general resources on protest rights and religious freedom at ACLU resources on protest rights and religious freedom.
Verification limits and reporting standards
Transparency: This report is based on video evidence and claims circulating online. Times Media Service did not find independent news reporting corroborating the church disruption or the claim that a pastor at Cities Church is connected to ICE. Key points in this account are therefore described as alleged and remain unverified.
Readers with information, footage, or eyewitness accounts are urged to contact Times Media Service and local authorities so independent verification can confirm details such as date and time, identities of those involved, any law enforcement response, and whether the pastor’s alleged ICE affiliation is accurate.
Implications for Los Angeles, California
Although protests in the Twin Cities are unlikely to produce immediate economic effects in Los Angeles, national attention can influence tourism and business sentiment. Local officials, nonprofits, and faith communities in Los Angeles may track developments for security planning and community support.
- Economic impact: heightened national attention can influence tourism and business sentiment regionally and prompt security reviews by major employers and cultural institutions.
- Political consequences: news of escalated tactics may shape local debate; California leaders sometimes respond to national events by proposing resolutions, public statements, or policy reviews.
- Social effects: immigrant communities in Los Angeles may experience heightened anxiety and increased demand for legal aid, pastoral care, and community support.
- Cultural relevance: local congregations active in immigrant-rights advocacy may revisit how to support congregants while protecting sacred spaces.
- Practical steps: religious institutions may review security and communication plans, coordinate with law enforcement, train for de-escalation, and set protocols for verifying staff affiliations with federal agencies.
Reporting and sources used for context
This story draws on: Times Media Service review of videos shared publicly on social platforms (links withheld to protect sources), local news searches, public records checks, and reporting on the killing of Renee Good and subsequent protests. Specific resources and searches used for context include Associated Press coverage search, The New York Times search results, and Star Tribune search results.
For contact and public-facing church information, Times Media Service used a general search for the congregation: Cities Church search page.
Reporting note and how to follow updates
Times Media Service reports what is shown in publicly shared videos and the claims made by those filming. Because key elements of the church incident remain unverified in independent local reporting, the account is described as alleged where applicable. Times Media Service will continue to seek confirmation from church leaders, law enforcement and eyewitnesses.
For the latest verified coverage of the Renee Good case and related protests, see: AP, The New York Times, and Star Tribune.
If you have firsthand information, footage, or documents about the St. Paul church incident: please contact Times Media Service and local law enforcement so details can be independently verified and responsibly reported.
