St. Paul City Attorney Irene Kao has announced that demonstrators who disrupted a worship service at Cities Church in January, where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official also serves as pastor, will not face state charges.

Kao told a local CBS affiliate that her office reviewed video footage, investigative reports and other materials and found insufficient evidence to file charges.

“This decision should not be interpreted as an endorsement of unlawful behavior or public disorder,” Kao told the outlet. “The right to peacefully protest is protected, as is the right to exercise one's religious beliefs.”

She added: “Balancing these equally important rights is paramount to our decision today. However, acts of violence, property destruction, or threats to public safety – none of which occurred here – remain serious concerns and will be prosecuted when supported by admissible evidence.”

More than 30 people are still facing federal charges in connection with the anti-ICE protest at the church, including former CNN anchor Don Lemmon and independent journalist Georgia Fort. They have been accused of violating two civil rights laws under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits intimidation or interference with individuals exercising their constitutional right to freedom of religion.

Leaders at Cities Church criticized Kao’s decision.

“According to the St. Paul City Attorney's logic, it is perfectly fine for agitators to invade a mosque, a cathedral, or a temple, intimidate the families and children inside, and shut down their religious gathering,” Jonathan Parnell, lead pastor of the church, said.

He added, “City Attorney Irene Kao's decision not to charge the agitators who invaded our church on January 18, 2026, leaves us to question whether her commitment to protect religious people includes evangelical Christians.”