NAACP Condemns Unlawful Arrest of Nekima Levy Armstrong

MINNEAPOLIS - Former NAACP Minneapolis Chapter President, Nekima Levy Armstrong Esq., along with Chauntyll Louisa Allen, and U.S. Army veteran, William Kelly, were improperly arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Agents. Though now released, their arrests violated their constitutional rights.

Ms. Armstrong and her fellow demonstrators gathered peacefully at a church over the pastor's alleged leadership within the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The protests follow the increase in ICE activity and the fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good.

In response to their unlawful arrests, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement:

"The NAACP condemns the arrests of Nekima Armstrong and her fellow protestors. The only reason the FBI and DHS arrested them is that they didn't like what they had to say.

"We live in a country where free speech and the ability to peacefully protest are fundamental rights. But once again, the President of the United States has weaponized federal agents against American citizens to be his personal enforcers.

"We're watching in real time as the Department of Justice, once responsible for upholding the law, is being twisted into the Department of Vengeance, attacking anyone who displeases the president.

"ICE agents cover their faces, terrorize our neighbors, and attack anyone who gets in their way. This is straight out of the KKK's playbook.

"Not stopping there, the White House shared an AI-edited photo of Nekima, depicting her in tears and scared when, in actuality, she was poised, determined, and unafraid.

"This Administration wants you to believe our community is afraid, but we will never be shaken. And we will never be broken."

NAACP General Counsel Janette McCarthy-Wallace added:

"The arrests of Nekima Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Louisa Allen, and William Kelly likely violated their First Amendment - their right to peaceful protest and free association, Fourth Amendment - their protection against illegal searches and seizures, and Fifth Amendment - their right to due process under the law.

"The NAACP is not aware of any alleged federal crime they committed; neither the FBI nor DHS has issued a warrant for these arrests, and there have been no related indictments. Put simply, there has been no legal explanation for these arrests, further demonstrating this Administration's ham-fisted attempts to oppress Americans."

The NAACP will continue to keep this Administration accountable and to fight for the rights due to every Black American. Visit naacp.org for more information.

About the NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.