The lead pastor of Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, Jonathan Parnell, recently recounted a distressing incident during a Sunday service when a group of anti-ICE activists stormed the church. This protest, which was aimed at accusing the church of being affiliated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, turned chaotic as the demonstrators shouted at worshippers, instilling a sense of panic, especially among families present. Parnell characterized the event as not merely a protest but as an "ambush" that sought to provoke fear and intimidation among peaceful congregants.

During the disruption, many attendees fled the service in terror, fearing for their safety and worried that the situation might escalate into violence. Parnell described the chaos, revealing that children were visibly frightened, raising their hands in fear as the activists screamed in their faces. He lamented that this invasion occurred in a sacred space meant for peace and refuge, ultimately leading to a scenario where people felt unsafe in their church, a place intended for worship.

The pastor's account, shared in an op-ed for WORLD, highlights the broader implications of such confrontations, questioning the methods used by activists against institutions that serve as a sanctuary for families. This incident raises concerns regarding the intersection of activism and faith, as well as the need for dialogue that fosters understanding rather than fear, especially in places dedicated to community and worship. Parnell’s reflections convey a sense of urgency for a more compassionate approach to such sensitive issues, as well as the significant impact of fear-based tactics on vulnerable populations.