The White House is facing backlash for tweeting a Photoshopped image of Minnesota attorney Nikema Levy Armstrong in federal custody.
The Photoshopped image shows Armstrong crying as she is being led away by a federal agent this week.
The White House captioned the image: “We do not tolerate attacks on places of worship.”
A community note on X (Twitter) advised that the photo has been “altered to make Nikema Levy Armstrong appear to be in distress.”
The community note further advised that Kristi Noem, the Director of Homeland Security, posted the original, unaltered photograph of Armstrong on her X account on Thursday.
Homeland Security Investigators and FBI agents arrested Nekima Levy Armstrong who played a key role in orchestrating the Church Riots in St. Paul, Minnesota.
She is being charged with a federal crime under 18 USC 241.
Religious freedom is the bedrock of the United States -… pic.twitter.com/O9yp4nRio1
— Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) January 22, 2026
Armstrong allegedly organized the anti-ICE protest at the Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota on Sunday, January 18.
Protesters, including Don Lemon, rushed into the church and disrupted service because they believed one of the pastors was an ICE agent.
Armstrong was one of four people arrested this week under the federal Civil Rights Conspiracy statute 18 USC Section 241.
A judge blocked federal agents from arresting Lemon. The former CNN anchor has allegedly lawyered up after receiving notice that he will be arrested soon.
The Civil Rights Conspiracy statute makes it unlawful for two or more persons to injure, threaten, or intimidate a person in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States.
A conviction carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison. If death results from the unlawful action, the offense may be punishable by life in prison.
