DOJ's Dhillon says federal charges will be pursued over anti‑ICE church protest

Harmeet Dhillon said the Justice Department sent federal prosecutors and activated the FBI after a protest that disrupted services at a Minnesota church, and officials are gathering evidence to seek federal warrants and pursue charges under civil‑rights statutes.

The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, led by Harmeet Dhillon, announced federal involvement after a protest that disrupted services at a Minnesota church. Dhillon said her office sent federal prosecutors to Minnesota and activated the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office. She described the matter as under active investigation and referred to civil‑rights statutes as possible bases for charges. The comments were made while explaining how federal and state authorities differ in investigatory and charging procedures. Key points: - Dhillon said federal prosecutors were sent to Minnesota and the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office were activated in response to the church disruption. - She identified the FACE Act and broader civil‑rights statutes (including references to the Klan Act) as potential legal tools and said investigators are gathering evidence. - Dhillon reported that some participants had identified themselves online and stated that certain public figures, including Don Lemon, had made online statements she described as admissions; these remarks were presented as Dhillon's account. Summary: The Justice Department has taken steps to investigate the reported disruption at the church and has deployed federal personnel to Minnesota. Officials said they are gathering facts, intend to seek any necessary federal search warrants from a judge, and plan to pursue federal charges under applicable civil‑rights laws.