Troops On Standby After Minnesota Incident
A protest action at a Minnesota church has initiated a nationwide dialogue regarding the balance between religious freedom protections and protest rights. Following the disruption of a worship service by anti-ICE activists at Cities Church in St. Paul on January 18, 2026, the Department of Justice has launched a federal investigation. This report examines the incident, the legal process under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, and the broader policy implications for civil protest and the protection of religious institutions.
Key Findings
- Activists affiliated with an anti-ICE movement entered a church service in St. Paul on January 18, 2026.
- The protest action caused the interruption of the worship service.
- The Department of Justice has initiated a federal investigation under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.
- Approximately 1,500 active-duty service members and National Guard units have been placed on standby for potential deployment in response to escalating regional protests.
Protest Interruption in St. Paul Worship Service
On January 18, 2026, anti-ICE activists entered Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, during a scheduled Sunday service. The activists presented an unverified allegation that a lead pastor was associated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The action, described in official reports as coordinated, resulted in the congregation ceasing worship due to chanting and other disruptions.
The incident follows a reported ICE-related event in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026, which has been cited as a catalyst for intensified anti-ICE protests in the region. These protests have focused on individuals and institutions perceived as supportive of federal immigration enforcement.
Treasury Sec Scott Bessent mocks Gavin Newsom at Davos: ‘Patrick Bateman meets Sparkle Beach Ken’
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent roasted California Governor Gavin Newsom while both were attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, questioning Newsom’s economics and mocking his presence at the elite gathering.
Speaking during the high-profile forum, Bessent took aim at Newsom, who is widely speculated to be considering a 2028 presidential run, “Governor Newsom, who strikes me as Patrick Bateman meets Sparkle Beach Ken, may be the only Californian who knows less about economics than Kamala Harris,” Bessent said.
Bessent also criticized Newsom’s appearance at the event, saying the governor was attending alongside his “billionaire sugar daddy,” a reference to Alex Soros, the son of George Soros. He added that Davos was a “perfect place” for Newsom due to his hypocrisy during the Covid-19 pandemic, when Newsom was seen dining at upscale restaurants while California remained under strict lockdown orders.
Newsom attended the World Economic Forum and was seen on video appearing uneasy as President Donald Trump delivered remarks. During his speech, Trump addressed the ongoing dispute over Greenland, reiterating that the United States is pursuing a diplomatic deal to acquire the territory.
