Chauntyll Louisa Allen was taken into federal custody in January 2026 following a protest that disrupted a Sunday worship service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. The arrest has drawn national attention because Allen is a sitting member of the St. Paul School Board and a well-known community activist. Federal authorities say the case involves interference with religious worship and possible violations of federal civil rights law.
The investigation and legal process are ongoing, and all information below reflects only confirmed, publicly verified developments as of today.
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Who Is Chauntyll Louisa Allen
Chauntyll Louisa Allen is an elected official serving on the St. Paul Public Schools Board of Education. She first won office in 2020 and has since been active in local education policy, youth advocacy, and community organizing.
Allen is also known for her role in social justice movements in Minnesota, including work connected to racial equity, police accountability, and immigration issues. She has led and participated in numerous demonstrations over the past decade and is a visible figure in Twin Cities activism.
At the time of her arrest, she was still serving her term on the school board.
What Happened at Cities Church
The incident that led to the arrest occurred during a Sunday morning service at Cities Church in St. Paul in mid-January 2026.
A group of protesters entered the sanctuary during worship and began chanting slogans related to immigration enforcement and opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The protest focused on allegations that a church leader had professional ties to federal immigration authorities.
The demonstration interrupted the service and forced it to pause. Congregants and church staff later confirmed that the disruption occurred during prayer and preaching.
Video footage circulating online showed Chauntyll Louisa Allen inside the church during the protest and participating in chants.
Federal Investigation and Arrest
Four days after the protest, federal law enforcement officers arrested Chauntyll Louisa Allen at her residence in Minnesota. The operation involved agents from the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations.
The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that the arrests were connected to the disruption of a religious service and that the case was being reviewed under federal statutes protecting the free exercise of religion.
Authorities stated that the investigation is examining whether the actions inside the church constituted:
- Obstruction of religious worship
- Intimidation of congregants
- Violation of federal civil rights protections for houses of worship
As of today, formal charging documents are still under review by federal prosecutors. The case remains in the pre-trial stage, and no trial date has been announced.
Legal Framework Being Considered
Federal officials have indicated that the case may involve the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, commonly known as the FACE Act. While the law is often associated with healthcare facilities, it also covers places of worship and prohibits:
- Force or threats
- Physical obstruction
- Intentional interference with religious exercise
If prosecutors proceed under this statute, penalties can include fines and potential jail time, depending on the charges filed and the court’s findings.
At present, Allen has not been convicted of any offense. She is entitled to the presumption of innocence under U.S. law.
Reaction From Government Officials
Senior officials at the Department of Justice described the case as part of a broader effort to protect religious freedom and prevent disruptions inside houses of worship.
They emphasized that peaceful protest is protected under the First Amendment, but entering a church during active services and interrupting worship may cross legal boundaries.
The U.S. Attorney General stated that places of worship must remain safe from intimidation, regardless of political disagreements.
Response in Minnesota
The arrest of Chauntyll Louisa Allen has produced strong reactions across the Twin Cities.
Supporters Say:
- The protest was a form of civil disobedience tied to immigration concerns.
- Allen has a long history of nonviolent activism.
- The case raises questions about the balance between protest rights and religious freedom.
Critics Say:
- Disrupting worship crosses a line and violates the rights of congregants.
- Elected officials should be held to a higher standard of conduct.
- Federal law must apply equally regardless of political cause.
Local faith leaders have called for calm and respect for both free expression and sacred spaces.
Impact on Her School Board Role
As of this week, Chauntyll Louisa Allen remains a member of the St. Paul School Board. The district has confirmed that no removal process has been initiated because no conviction has occurred.
However, the situation has created uncertainty about:
- Possible ethics reviews
- Attendance at board meetings
- Public trust during ongoing legal proceedings
Any disciplinary action would require formal votes and compliance with Minnesota education law.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Chauntyll Louisa Allen elected to St. Paul School Board |
| Mid-January 2026 | Protest disrupts Cities Church worship service |
| Four days later | Federal agents arrest Allen |
| Present | Case under review by U.S. Department of Justice |
Why This Case Is Nationally Significant
The Chauntyll Louisa Allen case sits at the intersection of several major national issues:
- First Amendment protest rights
- Religious freedom protections
- Immigration enforcement debates
- The legal responsibilities of elected officials
Federal prosecutors are now tasked with determining whether the conduct inside the church meets the legal threshold for criminal interference, or whether it remains protected political expression.
The outcome could shape how future protest actions inside religious spaces are treated under federal law.
What Happens Next
The next steps in the case are expected to include:
- Review of video and witness evidence
- Possible filing of formal federal charges
- Initial court appearances
- Motions from defense attorneys challenging jurisdiction and statute application
Until charging documents are filed, Allen remains under investigation but not convicted.
The developments involving Chauntyll Louisa Allen continue to unfold, and the legal process is moving forward under close public scrutiny.
Follow this story closely and share your thoughts below as the case progresses and new verified updates emerge.
