The White House accused Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of contributing to chaos after a group of anti-ICE protesters disrupted a church service in Minneapolis.
Federal officials said demonstrators stormed the church during worship, interrupting services and confronting clergy over alleged cooperation with immigration authorities. The incident prompted strong condemnation from federal leaders, who described the disruption as disorderly and unacceptable.
Administration officials argued that prior statements and actions by state and city leaders opposing federal immigration enforcement helped create an environment that fueled tensions and emboldened protesters. As a result of the incident, the Justice Department opened a civil rights review to examine potential violations tied to the disruption of religious services.
Church leaders criticized the protest, saying it frightened parishioners and violated the sanctity of worship. The episode unfolded amid heightened tensions in Minnesota following an expanded federal immigration presence and recent ICE-related shooting incidents that have sparked ongoing demonstrations.
The clash has deepened the political divide between federal authorities and local leaders over immigration enforcement and public safety responsibilities.