Anti-ICE activists walk free after judge's critical ruling

[malaise]

https://rollingout.com/2026/01/24/women-freed-church-protest-minnesota/

Two women arrested following a controversial anti-ICE protest that disrupted a Minnesota church service last weekend walked out of detention Friday afternoon in St. Paul, celebrating their release with raised fists and cheers from supporters. Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Allen emerged from custody after a federal judge ruled the government failed to prove they should remain detained.

Video footage captured the triumphant moment as both women raised their fists in the air while supporters gathered outside the detention facility erupted in celebration. Armstrong addressed the crowd with gratitude, thanking everyone for their presence before adding a declaration of faith. The scene reflected the intensity and emotion surrounding the case that has drawn national attention to immigration enforcement tactics and protest rights.


Earlier Friday, the federal judge delivered the ruling that secured their freedom, determining that prosecutors had not met the burden of proof necessary to justify continued detention. The decision came after several days of legal proceedings examining the circumstances of their arrest and the charges they face related to the church demonstration.