M
MercyNews
Home
Back
Protesters Disrupt ICE Field Director's Church Service
Politics

Protesters Disrupt ICE Field Director's Church Service

ABC News1h ago
3 min read
📋

Key Facts

  • ✓ A protest was staged inside a Minneapolis church during a service led by the local ICE field director.
  • ✓ Attorney General Bondi publicly declared that any violation of federal law will be prosecuted in response to the incident.
  • ✓ The ICE field director holds a dual role as a pastor, making the church a symbolic and strategic location for protesters.
  • ✓ The event reflects the intense national tension surrounding immigration enforcement and the tactics used by activist groups.
  • ✓ Federal officials are taking a firm stance, framing interference with ICE as a direct challenge to federal authority.

In This Article

  1. Quick Summary
  2. The Disruption
  3. Federal Response
  4. Broader Implications
  5. What Comes Next
  6. Key Takeaways

Quick Summary#

A Minneapolis church service became the center of a national controversy when protesters disrupted the gathering. The service was led by the local ICE field director, who also serves as the church's pastor.

The incident has drawn a swift and firm response from federal authorities. Attorney General Bondi took to social media to issue a clear warning, stating that any violation of federal law will be prosecuted. This event underscores the deep divisions and heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in American communities.

The Disruption#

The protest unfolded during a regularly scheduled service, targeting a location that holds both religious and political significance. The individual at the center of the controversy is the ICE field director for the region, who holds a dual role as a spiritual leader in the community. This unique position has made the church a focal point for both supporters and critics of federal immigration policy.

Protesters entered the sanctuary to voice their opposition to the director's work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Their actions were intended to disrupt the service and draw public attention to their cause. The scene inside the church was one of tension and confrontation, as activists and congregants clashed over the presence of federal law enforcement leadership in a house of worship.

The demonstration reflects a broader pattern of direct action protests targeting immigration officials. These tactics have become increasingly common as the debate over immigration policy intensifies across the United States. The choice of a church as the venue for this protest adds a complex layer of moral and ethical questions to the ongoing national conversation.

"Any violation of federal law will be prosecuted."

— Attorney General Bondi

Federal Response#

In the wake of the disruption, the U.S. Department of Justice signaled its intent to take a hard line against those who interfere with federal officials. Attorney General Bondi's statement was unequivocal and delivered directly to the public through an online platform. The message was designed to serve as both a warning and a declaration of intent to enforce the law to the fullest extent.

Any violation of federal law will be prosecuted.

This declaration from the nation's top law enforcement officer carries significant weight. It indicates that the federal government views such protests not merely as expressions of free speech, but as potential criminal acts that undermine the authority and safety of its agents. The prosecution threat elevates the incident from a local protest to a matter of federal jurisdiction.

The response highlights the zero-tolerance policy being applied to interference with immigration enforcement operations. Federal officials are increasingly framing opposition to ICE as a direct challenge to the rule of law. This stance sets the stage for potential legal battles and further escalates the conflict between activist groups and the federal government.

Broader Implications#

This event is a microcosm of the larger national debate on immigration. The intersection of faith, politics, and law enforcement in a single location creates a powerful symbol of the country's divisions. It raises questions about the appropriate venues for protest and the limits of civil disobedience when it involves federal officials.

The incident also brings attention to the personal lives of those who work for controversial agencies. The ICE field director is not just a government employee but also a community spiritual leader, blurring the lines between public duty and private life. This duality makes him a particularly visible and symbolic target for protest groups.

Furthermore, the federal government's strong reaction may have a chilling effect on future protests. Activists and their legal supporters will have to weigh the risks of direct confrontation with the possibility of federal prosecution. This could lead to a shift in protest strategies, moving away from disruptive tactics toward other forms of advocacy.

What Comes Next#

The legal and social consequences of this protest are still unfolding. The Attorney General's warning suggests that federal prosecutors may be preparing to file charges against individuals involved in the disruption. This could lead to a high-profile court case that tests the boundaries of protest rights versus the protection of federal officials.

Meanwhile, the Minneapolis community remains divided. The incident has forced a public conversation about the role of immigration enforcement and the sanctity of religious spaces. It is likely that both sides will continue to organize and demonstrate their positions in the coming weeks and months.

Ultimately, this protest serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict over immigration policy in America. As long as federal enforcement continues, so too will the resistance from those who oppose it. The events at this Minneapolis church are just one chapter in a much larger and more complex story.

Key Takeaways#

The disruption of a church service led by an ICE field director has escalated into a significant national incident. Attorney General Bondi's firm response underscores the federal government's commitment to protecting its law enforcement personnel from interference. This event highlights the volatile intersection of immigration policy, religious freedom, and protest tactics.

Looking ahead, the situation in Minneapolis may set a precedent for how similar protests are handled across the country. The potential for federal prosecution could deter future disruptions, but it may also galvanize opposition groups. The balance between free speech and public order will continue to be tested as the national debate over immigration rages on.

#US

Continue scrolling for more

I made 6 Ina Garten soup recipes and ranked them by deliciousness
Lifestyle

I made 6 Ina Garten soup recipes and ranked them by deliciousness

I love making Ina Garten's soup recipes, especially during the winter season. Jeff Neira/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Ina Garten has published many soup recipes, and I've made half a dozen from her repertoire so far. Her tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons is super easy to make and perfect for all ages. Garten's chicken pot pie soup, inspired by the classic comfort dish, takes my top spot. After cooking my way through Ina Garten's comforting pastas, energizing breakfasts, and delectable desserts, it was time for a new challenge. As George Costanza would say, I was ready to "shift into soup mode." Garten has dozens of soup recipes, and I've been slowly making my way through her repertoire. Each soup in this ranking is delicious — what else would you expect from the Barefoot Contessa? — but I definitely have some clear favorites. Here's how they all stack up. In sixth place is Ina Garten's winter minestrone soup. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Garten's minestrone soup appears in her 2012 cookbook "Foolproof." In the recipe's description, she calls it an "incredibly hearty winter soup" that "falls somewhere between a soup and a stew." The soup is packed with tons of vegetables — baby spinach, butternut squash, celery, carrots, garlic, and onion — plus cannellini beans, pancetta, pesto, Parmesan, and fresh thyme. It requires a lot of chopping and prep, but all those veggies provide plenty of heft. Garten's winter minestrone soup is packed with color and texture. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Full transparency, if I had to rank my favorite soups in the world, minestrone would always be at the bottom of the list. Most minestrone soups I've tried have been lackluster and forgettable, but Garten's version is a commendable effort. The chopped tomatoes and pancetta bring some richness to the broth, while the rainbow of veggies provides plenty of color and texture. I loved the pops of freshness from the spinach and thyme, and the salty kick from the Parmesan on top. While it's not my favorite Barefoot Contessa recipe, Garten's winter minestrone soup is healthy and hearty. How to make Ina Garten's winter minestrone soup. Rounding out the top five is Garten's Italian wedding soup. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Garten loves putting a new twist on classic recipes, and her Italian wedding soup is no different. Featured in Garten's 2008 cookbook "Back to Basics," the recipe features meatballs made with a mixture of ground chicken and chicken sausage instead of the traditional beef or pork. The recipe also includes small pasta — Garten recommends tubettini or stars — carrots, celery, fresh dill, baby spinach, and her homemade chicken stock. The chicken meatballs are a delicious twist in Garten's Italian wedding soup. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Garten says using homemade chicken stock "makes all the difference in the world" for this recipe, and I definitely agree. Her delicious stock infuses this dish with depth, giving the broth richness without making it heavy. This allows the soup to taste light and fresh, especially with the added burst of dill. The chicken meatballs were full of great flavor. I just wish I had made them a tad smaller! Garten's Italian wedding soup isn't as memorable as other recipes on this list, but it's a great dish for rainy nights. How to make Ina Garten's Italian wedding soup. Garten's chicken chili takes the fourth spot. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Garten made traditional chili for 20 years at the famous specialty food store that launched her cooking career (and gave her the iconic "Barefoot Contessa" nickname). But she decided to update the chili with chicken to make it lighter, which became even more popular than the original dish. The soup — which is featured in Garten's 2001 cookbook "Barefoot Contessa Parties!" — features chicken breasts, red and yellow bell peppers, onion, garlic, fresh basil, plus toppings including green onions, sour cream, and grated cheddar cheese. Garten's chicken chili is super hearty and comforting. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider When I'm craving chili, I usually whip up this recipe with ground beef that my fiancé and I have been making for years. But if you're looking for something a little lighter, Garten's recipe is a great substitute. The tender and juicy roasted chicken pairs deliciously with the rich tomato flavor of the broth, and I enjoyed the crunchy texture from the bell peppers and the green onions on top. The sour cream also adds a nice hit of creaminess and acidity. "This chili is reminiscent of a chicken tortilla soup, but it's so much heartier!" my friend Kayla said after I made her a bowl. "It makes you feel so warm and cozy." How to make Ina Garten's chicken chili. In third place is Garten's tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Garten elevates her version of tomato soup — which also appears in "Foolproof" — with the addition of orzo, saffron threads, and grilled cheese croutons. This is one of the quickest Barefoot Contessa soup recipes. There's very minimal prep, and the entire dish is ready in just 50 minutes! Garten's tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons is a dinner the whole family will love. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Tomato and grilled cheese are a pairing as classic as peanut butter and jelly or macaroni and cheese, and turning the sandwich into bite-sized croutons is an inspired choice. I loved how they injected each sip of soup with a salty and satisfying blast of gooey cheesiness. I used Garten's homemade chicken stock for this recipe, which helps imbue the broth with so much flavor despite being on the stove for less than an hour. It's light and rich, with a silky texture I couldn't get enough of. This is the only tomato soup that I crave now. How to make Ina Garten's tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons. Taking the second spot is Garten's ravioli en brodo. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider As you can see, Garten clearly loves to whip up Italian soup recipes. The Barefoot Contessa version of ravioli en brodo appears in "Go-To Dinners," Garten's most recent cookbook. The rustic recipe features homemade chicken stock, fresh or frozen cheese ravioli, carrots, celery, fennel, dill, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Garten's ravioli en brodo looks simple, but it's exploding with flavor. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Garten's ravioli en brodo turned me into a true homemade chicken stock convert. With its help, the broth in this soup truly tastes like liquid gold. It's light but silky, rich and savory. The dill and lemon add an extra burst of brightness, while the ravioli brings in that comforting cheesiness. I dream about this soup so much, I think it's safe to say I prefer it over chicken noodle. And now I make a huge pot of homemade chicken stock every winter. How to make Ina Garten's ravioli en brodo. Garten's chicken pot pie soup is one of my all-time favorite Barefoot Contessa recipes. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider Garten was inspired to make a chicken pot pie soup after she spotted one on an airport menu. "It was actually harder to make than it sounded — my first few attempts just tasted like chicken pot pie filling, not soup," she wrote in her 2020 cookbook "Modern Comfort Food." "This one, though, hit all the right comforting notes, with good chicken stock, roasted chicken, and puff pastry croutons," Garten added. The soup also features carrots, leeks, fennel, garlic, pearl onions, peas, fresh tarragon and parsley, plus some cream sherry. I love Garten's chicken pot pie soup so much, I make it every winter. Anneta Konstantinides/Business Insider I wish I knew which airport restaurant had the chicken pot pie soup on its menu so I could personally thank them for inspiring Garten's version, which has become one of my favorite comfort meals. This recipe keeps the spirit of pot pie alive with deliciously juicy and tender chicken surrounded by fresh and flavorful veggies with every sip. The puff pastry croutons were an easy and quick addition, and they tasted incredible after soaking up the delicious broth. When one of my loved ones is sick, this is always the dish that I make for them. It's truly soup for the soul. Here's how to make Ina Garten's chicken pot pie soup. Read the original article on Business Insider

35m
3 min
0
Read Article
Court Upholds Ban on Netanyahu's Chief of Staff from PM Office
Politics

Court Upholds Ban on Netanyahu's Chief of Staff from PM Office

A higher court has reinstated a ban preventing Netanyahu's chief of staff from entering the Prime Minister's Office, citing the necessity of restricting contact in a leaked document scandal.

36m
5 min
0
Read Article
Syria's Prisoner Crisis: IS Fighters Escape Amid SDF Withdrawal
Politics

Syria's Prisoner Crisis: IS Fighters Escape Amid SDF Withdrawal

A fragile ceasefire in Syria has been shattered by a critical security breach. As Kurdish-led forces withdraw, Islamic State prisoners are on the loose, creating a dangerous new front in the nation's ongoing crisis.

43m
5 min
6
Read Article
Netanyahu Vows No Foreign Troops in Gaza Amid Tense Knesset Debate
Politics

Netanyahu Vows No Foreign Troops in Gaza Amid Tense Knesset Debate

In a fiery Knesset session, Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged disagreements with the United States while firmly stating that Qatari and Turkish troops will not be part of Gaza's governing body. The debate featured sharp exchanges with opposition leader Yair Lapid.

44m
5 min
6
Read Article
Germany Cautiously Thanks US for 'Board of Peace' Invite
Politics

Germany Cautiously Thanks US for 'Board of Peace' Invite

Germany has responded to the US 'Board of Peace' initiative with cautious gratitude, highlighting the UN's central role in resolving the Gaza conflict while navigating a controversial invitation to Vladimir Putin.

52m
5 min
6
Read Article
Burkina Faso Ex-Putschist Damiba Arrested in Togo
Politics

Burkina Faso Ex-Putschist Damiba Arrested in Togo

Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, the former military leader of Burkina Faso, has been arrested in Togo and expelled. Accused of orchestrating multiple coup attempts in his home country, Damiba's detention marks a significant development in the region's ongoing political instability.

1h
5 min
9
Read Article
Spain High-Speed Train Crash: Death Toll Rises to 40
Accidents

Spain High-Speed Train Crash: Death Toll Rises to 40

A high-speed train collision in southern Spain has resulted in 40 fatalities, prompting a government investigation into the causes of the nation's deadliest rail accident since 2013.

1h
5 min
19
Read Article
Americans Bear the Cost of Tariffs, Study Reveals
Economics

Americans Bear the Cost of Tariffs, Study Reveals

A new study reveals that tariffs imposed on imported goods are not being paid by foreign manufacturers, but by American consumers. The costs are being passed directly to households, affecting prices on everyday items.

1h
5 min
17
Read Article
Maryland to Host Second US Sphere Venue
Entertainment

Maryland to Host Second US Sphere Venue

Sphere Entertainment has announced its intent to develop a second US venue in Maryland's National Harbor, located 15 minutes south of Washington, DC. The new venue would join the iconic Las Vegas Sphere and planned Abu Dhabi location.

1h
5 min
16
Read Article
Sisu 2026: Ceará Opens 14,200+ University Spots
Education

Sisu 2026: Ceará Opens 14,200+ University Spots

The Unified Selection System (Sisu) 2026 has launched, offering over 14,200 spots in Ceará's public universities. With new rules allowing three Enem editions, students have a unique opportunity to secure their future.

1h
5 min
18
Read Article
🎉

You're all caught up!

Check back later for more stories

Back to Home