A dramatic scene unfolded in St Paul, Minnesota, as two women, Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Allen, were released from detention after being arrested for their role in an anti-ICE demonstration that disrupted Sunday church services. The women, who were charged for their involvement in the protest, were met with cheers and applause as they emerged from detention, raising their fists and embracing their loved ones.
According to reports, the two women were arrested on January 22, 2026, after they participated in a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a church in St Paul. The protest, which was intended to draw attention to the issue of immigration and the role of ICE in the community, disrupted Sunday church services and resulted in the arrest of the two women.
Background of the Protest
The protest was part of a larger movement against ICE and its policies, which have been the subject of controversy and debate in recent years. The agency has been criticized for its handling of immigration cases, including the separation of families and the detention of individuals who are seeking asylum.
The protest in St Paul was organized by a group of local activists who were seeking to bring attention to the issue of immigration and the role of ICE in the community. The group, which included Levy Armstrong and Allen, planned the protest to coincide with Sunday church services, hoping to draw attention to the issue and spark a conversation about the need for reform.
The Arrests
Levy Armstrong and Allen were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing a public sidewalk. The charges were filed by the St Paul Police Department, which had been monitoring the protest and had warned the participants to disperse.
The arrests were widely condemned by supporters of the protest, who argued that the women were exercising their right to free speech and assembly. A petition was circulated calling for the charges to be dropped and for the women to be released from detention.
Release from Detention
After spending several days in detention, Levy Armstrong and Allen were released on Friday, January 26, 2026, after a federal judge ordered their release. The women were met with cheers and applause as they emerged from detention, raising their fists and embracing their loved ones.
"Thank you all for being here," Levy Armstrong said, according to a video posted online. "Glory to God!"
The release of the two women was seen as a victory for the protest movement, which had been calling for their release and for the charges to be dropped. The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the role of ICE in the community and the need for reform.
Reaction from the Community
The incident has sparked a range of reactions from the community, with some expressing support for the protest and others condemning the disruption of church services.
"I think it's great that people are standing up for what they believe in," said one supporter of the protest. "The issue of immigration is an important one, and it's time that we start talking about it."
Others, however, were critical of the protest and the disruption of church services. "I don't think it's right to disrupt a church service," said one critic. "There are other ways to express your views without causing a disturbance."
Conclusion
The release of Levy Armstrong and Allen from detention marks the latest development in a controversy that has sparked a wider conversation about the role of ICE in the community and the need for reform. The incident has highlighted the complexities of the issue and the need for a nuanced and informed discussion about the best way forward.
As the debate continues, it is clear that the issue of immigration and the role of ICE will remain a contentious one. However, the release of the two women from detention is a reminder that the power of protest and activism can bring about change and spark a conversation about the issues that matter most.
A dramatic scene unfolded in St Paul, Minnesota, as two women, Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Allen, were released from detention after being arrested for their role in an anti-ICE demonstration that disrupted Sunday church services. The women, who were charged for their involvement in the protest, were met with cheers and applause as they emerged from detention, raising their fists and embracing their loved ones.
According to reports, the two women were arrested on January 22, 2026, after they participated in a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a church in St Paul. The protest, which was intended to draw attention to the issue of immigration and the role of ICE in the community, disrupted Sunday church services and resulted in the arrest of the two women.
Background of the Protest
The protest was part of a larger movement against ICE and its policies, which have been the subject of controversy and debate in recent years. The agency has been criticized for its handling of immigration cases, including the separation of families and the detention of individuals who are seeking asylum.
The protest in St Paul was organized by a group of local activists who were seeking to bring attention to the issue of immigration and the role of ICE in the community. The group, which included Levy Armstrong and Allen, planned the protest to coincide with Sunday church services, hoping to draw attention to the issue and spark a conversation about the need for reform.
The Arrests
Levy Armstrong and Allen were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing a public sidewalk. The charges were filed by the St Paul Police Department, which had been monitoring the protest and had warned the participants to disperse.
The arrests were widely condemned by supporters of the protest, who argued that the women were exercising their right to free speech and assembly. A petition was circulated calling for the charges to be dropped and for the women to be released from detention.
Release from Detention
After spending several days in detention, Levy Armstrong and Allen were released on Friday, January 26, 2026, after a federal judge ordered their release. The women were met with cheers and applause as they emerged from detention, raising their fists and embracing their loved ones.
"Thank you all for being here," Levy Armstrong said, according to a video posted online. "Glory to God!"
The release of the two women was seen as a victory for the protest movement, which had been calling for their release and for the charges to be dropped. The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the role of ICE in the community and the need for reform.
Reaction from the Community
The incident has sparked a range of reactions from the community, with some expressing support for the protest and others condemning the disruption of church services.
"I think it's great that people are standing up for what they believe in," said one supporter of the protest. "The issue of immigration is an important one, and it's time that we start talking about it."
Others, however, were critical of the protest and the disruption of church services. "I don't think it's right to disrupt a church service," said one critic. "There are other ways to express your views without causing a disturbance."
Conclusion
The release of Levy Armstrong and Allen from detention marks the latest development in a controversy that has sparked a wider conversation about the role of ICE in the community and the need for reform. The incident has highlighted the complexities of the issue and the need for a nuanced and informed discussion about the best way forward.
As the debate continues, it is clear that the issue of immigration and the role of ICE will remain a contentious one. However, the release of the two women from detention is a reminder that the power of protest and activism can bring about change and spark a conversation about the issues that matter most.
