The chief federal prosecutor in Chicago is defending his decision to appear before a grand jury that indicted protesters who interrupted a Minnesota church service during an immigration enforcement demonstration.

Dozens of anti-immigration enforcement protesters face federal criminal charges after interrupting a church service in Minnesota in January. Former CNN journalist Don Lemon was present during the protest. The demonstrators were protesting what they characterized as immigration sweeps conducted during the Trump administration.

A grand jury returned indictments against the protesters, with the Chicago U.S. attorney making an appearance before the grand jury during the proceedings. The prosecutor's direct involvement in the grand jury process has drawn scrutiny, as such appearances by top prosecutors are relatively uncommon.

While the protesters face federal charges, a local prosecutor has announced that no additional state charges will be filed in connection with the church service interruption. The federal case remains ongoing.

The incident highlights tensions over immigration enforcement policies and the methods used by both protesters and federal prosecutors in addressing such demonstrations.