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Minnesota churches roiled by legal battle over ICE surveillance and right to protest
Faith groups say federal agents spied on worship-related protest activity, while more than three dozen protesters seek dismissal of civil rights charges.
Minnesota courts are currently weighing two distinct cases involving churches and immigration enforcement, highlighting ongoing tension between faith communities and federal authorities more than six months after a surge in operations.
Court documents revealed that Homeland Security agents conducted undercover surveillance operations four times at University Baptist Church in Minneapolis, allegedly targeting groups leading anti-enforcement protests earlier this year.
More than three dozen protesters are seeking dismissal of charges after they disrupted worship at Cities Church in St. Paul, where one pastor also served as an ICE official.
Faith groups including the Alliance of Baptists have asked a federal judge to rule whether Homeland Security violated an injunction against enforcement, and to disclose if other houses of worship were surveyed.
Churches across the Twin Cities report lingering weariness and fear, as many faith leaders continue balancing community advocacy with increased security measures following the winter immigration surge.