MINNEAPOLIS — The U.S. Department of Justice has charged 15 people with conspiracy and other federal offenses in connection with protests against immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota, federal prosecutors said, alleging the defendants coordinated efforts to impede federal officers during demonstrations earlier this year.
The charges were announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota on June 16 and stem from protests linked to federal immigration operations known as “Operation Metro Surge.” Prosecutors said the defendants were members or associates of Direct Action Minnesota, a Minneapolis-based activist group, and accused them of participating in a coordinated campaign to obstruct federal law enforcement activities.
According to the indictment, the defendants face charges that include conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer, assault on federal officers, interstate threats, interstate stalking, solicitation to commit a crime of violence, and destruction of government property. Federal authorities said 12 of the defendants were arrested during coordinated operations by law enforcement agencies, while two remained at large and one was already in federal custody on separate charges.
Speaking at a news conference, Minnesota U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen said the defendants “violently opposed the enforcement of federal law,” alleging that they used blockades, tracked federal agents, and interfered with immigration enforcement activities. Prosecutors said the case focuses on alleged conduct rather than political views or speech.
Court documents cited by prosecutors allege that some defendants used encrypted messaging applications to coordinate actions and shared information about the movements of federal officers. Authorities also cited incidents involving alleged damage to government vehicles and confrontations with immigration agents.
Defense attorneys and civil liberties advocates have disputed the government's characterization of the case. Bruce Nestor, an attorney representing one of the defendants, said the prosecution was intended to discourage protest activity and argued that the charges raise concerns about free speech and assembly rights. Other defense lawyers have denied that their clients were affiliated with any organized “antifa” movement and have challenged the strength of the government's evidence.
The charges come amid broader legal and political disputes surrounding federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Earlier this month, a federal judge blocked Justice Department subpoenas directed at several Minnesota officials as part of a separate immigration-related investigation, ruling that the subpoenas were unlawful.
As of Wednesday, the criminal case remained in its early stages. Initial court appearances had begun, and prosecutors said the investigation was continuing. Defense attorneys indicated they would contest the allegations in court. Details regarding trial dates had not been publicly announced.
