Disruption at Twin Cities Church Highlights Growing Tension Over ICE Protests

Disruption at Twin Cities Church Highlights Growing Tension Over ICE Protests

On Sunday, a group of protesters opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE, caused significant disruption at Cities Church in the Twin Cities. The demonstrators claimed that a pastor at the church is connected to ICE’s St. Paul field office. Their loud chants of “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good” interrupted the church service, leaving many attendees visibly shocked and unsettled.

One member of the protest group, identified as William Kelly and known online as “DaWokeFarmer,” drew attention for his previous public anti-ICE actions. Kelly boasts a following of over sixty-six thousand on TikTok, where he frequently posts videos condemning ICE and the Trump administration using harsh language.

Previous Incidents of Harassment

A congregant from Christ Church in Washington, D.C., where Kelly allegedly harassed worshippers, corroborated reports of his disruptive behavior. Speaking anonymously to Fox News Digital, the church member recounted Kelly’s vile remarks directed at families and children as they attended services. They described how Kelly resorted to name-calling, using terms that aimed to degrade and insult congregants.

“William Kelly is a regular outside our church. He screams incredibly vile and gross things at families and at children,” the member said.

A Pattern of Disturbance

The harassment hasn’t been limited to just one church. Kelly has been recognized by churchgoers at Christ Church for his consistent presence outside their services over the past six months. His reputation has only grown after a December incident where the U.S. Secret Service arrested him following his aggressive behavior toward another individual.

Kelly himself claimed in a recent video that he is facing disorderly conduct charges stemming from that incident, which included berating a passerby with insults.

Community Responses

Members of Christ Church have expressed their desire to worship in a peaceful setting, arguing that such aggressive outbursts are completely inappropriate. “It’s unfortunate because it’s been a good education for my children to understand who uses these words,” the anonymous congregant remarked.

Another church member noted that Kelly first began his disruptive protests around September or October of last year, becoming a familiar sight each week. Since his arrest by the Secret Service, he has reportedly continued to travel around the country.

Law Enforcement and Security Concerns

While local Metro Police have worked to ensure the physical safety of congregants, they have, as of yet, been unable to prosecute Kelly for his outside actions. Joe Rigney, the associate pastor at Christ Church, noted that numerous protestors have targeted their services over the past months, identifying Kelly as one of the most aggressive and confrontational. “He would follow people to their cars and yell at them,” Rigney explained, underscoring the ongoing challenges posed by such protests.

Protestors Targeting ICE and Local Pastors

The uproar against ICE intensified following the tragic shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent. Following a report detailing the incident, protests in Minnesota have surged, with demonstrators alleging that one church pastor, David Easterwood, is linked to local ICE operations accused of employing violent methods and conducting illegal arrests.

During the protest at Cities Church, Easterwood was present, a factor that escalated tensions inside the church amid the protests. The Justice Department has confirmed that it is investigating the incidents arising from these confrontations.

Public Statements and Social Media Engagement

Kelly has remained vocal about his actions on social media. He posted about the church protest on TikTok, denouncing what he described as complicity between faith leaders and ICE. He doesn’t shy away from using crude language to express his frustrations, suggesting a deep-seated animosity toward those he perceives as supporting ICE’s practices.

A Broader Discussion on ICE Protests

This incident highlights the growing tension between anti-ICE protesters and public figures within the church community. Participants in these protests argue that they are standing up against systemic injustices, while church members assert their right to worship without disruption. The community finds itself questioning how advocacy and peace can coexist in a deeply divided climate.

What Lies Ahead for Local Congregations?

As protests continue and tensions rise, it is clear that local religious communities face significant challenges. While the presence of police has provided some reassurance, the lack of arrests for aggressive behaviors such as those exhibited by Kelly raises questions about community safety and law enforcement’s role in maintaining peace during worship services.

The ongoing protests against ICE underscore a broader societal conflict that continues to unfold. The question remains: how will local communities navigate these growing tensions and push for both justice and peace in their shared spaces?

Reporting by Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano contributed to this article.