Nekima Levy Armstrong is at the center of controversy again. Recently, she helped organize a protest at a St. Paul church against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). During this demonstration, she claimed a church pastor had ties to ICE. This protest is one of many in the Twin Cities aimed at opposing increased immigration enforcement by the federal government, which has been targeting fraud prevalent in the area.

Armstrong is noted not only for her activism but also for her financial history. Between 2019 and 2024, she served as the executive director of the Wayfinder Foundation, a Minneapolis nonprofit aimed at addressing anti-poverty issues. During that time, she reportedly earned over $936,000 in salary and additional benefits. Filings from this period indicate that while she received substantial personal compensation, the foundation awarded significantly less in community grants.

In 2024, the Wayfinder Foundation reported disbursing only about $158,811 while Armstrong’s salary was $215,726. These figures raised eyebrows, as the nonprofit claimed to be committed to helping the community. In total, the foundation generated revenue of over $5 million, but only roughly $700,000 went to grants.

Some prominent donors of the Wayfinder Foundation include the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation and the Walton Family Foundation. The latter donated millions, while the former provided a comparatively smaller contribution. These connections to larger organizations further intertwine Armstrong in complex conversations about funding and activism.

Armstrong’s outreach has focused on supporting Black and Latina activists. She has framed her work in terms of social revolution, stating that the foundation sees opportunity where others see problems. “Where others see deficiencies, lack, and want, Wayfinder sees opportunity for little revolutions that place demands on power,” she has claimed.

Her recent actions have not gone without backlash. Following the church protest, a local pastor condemned the disruption, asserting, “We’re here to worship Jesus.” Armstrong has drawn attention for her strong leftist views, including support for controversial figures like Joanne Chesimard, a convicted murderer now on the run in Cuba. She labeled Chesimard a “brave, wise, powerful, and revolutionary Black woman,” indicating her alignment with radical figures.

Armstrong’s activities and the financial realities of her nonprofit leadership raise questions about the intersection of activism, funding, and integrity in social movements. As the debate continues over immigration enforcement and community activism, Armstrong’s role exemplifies the complexities and challenges facing those advocating for change.