The Trump administration has expanded charges against participants in a Minnesota church protest from 9 to 39 individuals, adding 30 new defendants.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the expanded indictment on Friday via social media, stating the Justice Department "STANDS for Christians and all Americans of faith."

The protest, dubbed "Operation Pullup," occurred in January as a response to immigration crackdowns in Minnesota. Protesters targeted the church's pastor, who serves as a local ICE official.

Defendants face two counts: conspiracy against religious freedom rights and interfering with religious freedom. Some defendants, including former CNN anchor Don Lemon and reporter Georgia Fort, claim they attended as journalists and question if this is an attempt to curtail press freedom.

The Trump administration's "Operation Metro Surge" immigration enforcement initiative in the region faced reports of excessive force and unlawful arrests. The January killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent sparked nationwide protests.

Several defendants plan to challenge the government's charges, citing First Amendment free speech rights.

Source: www.aljazeera.com