William Kelly, the anti-ICE activist who barged into a Minnesota church service and later mocked Attorney General Pam Bondi online by challenging her to come after him, now sits in federal custody. Bondi’s office confirmed the arrest Thursday afternoon, marking the third takedown in a swift crackdown on those who stormed Cities Church in St. Paul just days earlier.
The chaos unfolded during a regular Sunday worship on January 18 at Cities Church, where congregants gathered for prayer and sermons. A group of protesters, including Kelly, marched in chanting slogans against Immigration and Customs Enforcement. They zeroed in on Pastor David Easterwood, who doubles as the acting field director for ICE’s St. Paul office.
Protesters demanded his resignation, linking him to broader complaints about ICE operations in the area, including the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis woman killed by an ICE agent earlier in January during an enforcement action. Good’s death has fueled local tensions, with activists claiming it exemplifies aggressive tactics under the renewed federal push to secure borders and deport criminal aliens.
Kelly, known online as “DaWokeFarmer” on platforms like TikTok, didn’t hide his role. Videos surfaced showing him inside the church, confronting parishioners and amplifying the group’s message. In the aftermath, he went further, posting clips where he ridiculed Bondi’s vow to prosecute those involved.
“They’re gonna come at me with charges, and I’m not scared of that,” Kelly said in one recording. “There’s no basis for these charges. I did not block them from their service.”
He accused the Trump administration of weaponizing the law against dissenters, framing the protest as peaceful expression rather than an invasion of sacred space.
But federal authorities saw it differently. Under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which safeguards religious services from interference, the Department of Justice moved quickly. Bondi emphasized that such actions cross a line.
“Our nation was settled and founded by people fleeing religious persecution,” she stated in her announcement of Kelly’s arrest. “Religious freedom is the bedrock of this country. We will protect our pastors. We will protect our churches. We will protect Americans of faith.”
Kelly’s detention follows the arrests of Nekima Levy Armstrong, a prominent Twin Cities lawyer and organizer, and Chauntyll Louisa Allen, a St. Paul school board member. Both were nabbed earlier Thursday by FBI and Homeland Security Investigations agents. Armstrong, who has a history of civil rights activism, defended the group’s entry into the church as a necessary call-out of Easterwood’s dual roles.
“Someone who claims to worship God, teaching people in this church about God, is out there overseeing ICE agents,” she said during the disruption.
The incident has drawn wider scrutiny, including questions about former CNN anchor Don Lemon’s presence. Lemon, now an independent journalist, was spotted filming and interviewing during the event. The Justice Department sought charges against him under the FACE Act, but a federal magistrate judge rejected the complaint, citing his role as a reporter rather than a participant.
Lemon insisted he was there to document, not disrupt: “I’m just here photographing, I’m not part of the group.” Still, his involvement has sparked debate, with some viewing it as media overreach into private worship.
This episode fits into a pattern of escalating clashes over immigration enforcement in Minnesota, where ICE has ramped up operations targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records. Critics like Kelly argue it’s a broad assault on communities, but supporters point to the need for rule of law as illegal aliens continue to drain the nation and make streets unsafe.
As more details emerge, Bondi’s team hints at additional arrests. For now, Kelly’s bold dare has turned into reality, serving as a reminder that disrupting houses of worship carries real consequences in a nation built on the promise of unhindered belief.
As they say, FAFO.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.