By: Nyleve Eiram, Writer/Reporter

On Thursday, January 22, 2026,  Dr. Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Allen were arrested. I first learned of the situation while running an errand at a local bank. After logging onto Facebook, I saw that
both women were being held at the Warren E. Burger Federal Building in downtown St.Paul, MN.

The background of these two women is rooted in community service. I met Nekima long before the 2016 killing of Philando Castile by a Falcon Heights Police officer. She is a lawyer and a pastor who holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Illinois College of Law. She is simply “about that life” of helping others. I have met Chauntyll periodically during my transition from activist and independent reporter to affiliate reporter. She is a school board member dedicated to doing what is best for Saint Paul Public Schools and the rights of our children.

The reason for their presence at a church this past Sunday, and their subsequent arrest, stems from ICE occupying our state. It has been reported that names like Georgia Fort and Don Lemon were also on a list of people targeted for arrest. A White House AI-generated image surfaced showing Nekima crying as she was arrested. Her husband and lawyer have dispelled the authenticity of that image and promised to provide actual footage of the arrest.

Supporters waiting at the federal building did not see Nekima or Chauntyll released. Due to the prosecutor deciding to file an appeal, they were instead sent to the Sherburne County Jail.

At a press conference following the events several key speakers took the stage including Nekima’s husband, Marques Armstrong, and Chauntyll’s daughter. She recited the famous words of Assata Shakur, which have served as a battle cry for Black Lives Matter protests, and regained popularity through the movie The Hate U Give: “It is our right to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains.”

The call to action following the press conference was clear: Get out and vote. The speakers emphasized that voting is our power and the key to making “all this” stop.

Updates will be provided as they become available.