MINNEAPOLIS — Federal prosecutors have charged 15 activists in connection with protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota, alleging they conspired to impede federal officers during immigration enforcement actions earlier this year, according to court documents and Justice Department officials.
The charges were announced on June 16 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota and the Department of Justice. Prosecutors said the defendants, who are alleged to be members or associates of Direct Action Minnesota, participated in coordinated efforts to obstruct federal immigration operations conducted as part of an enforcement initiative known as Operation Metro Surge.
According to a federal indictment, the defendants face charges including conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers. Some individuals also face additional counts involving interstate stalking, interstate threats, solicitation to commit a crime of violence, assault on federal officers and destruction of government property. Federal authorities said 12 defendants were arrested during coordinated operations, while others remained at large or were already in custody on separate matters.
“These defendants have been charged not for what they said, but for what they did,” U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen said during a news conference announcing the case. Rosen said prosecutors contend the activities went beyond protected political expression and involved efforts to interfere with federal law enforcement through force and coordinated action.
Prosecutors allege the defendants used encrypted communications and organized tactics including road blockades, surveillance of federal officers and disruptions of immigration operations. Court filings cited by federal officials describe actions that allegedly occurred during demonstrations in Minneapolis and surrounding areas earlier in 2026.
Defense attorneys and supporters have rejected the allegations, arguing that the case risks criminalizing protest activity. Bruce Nestor, an attorney representing one of the defendants, said those charged were community members engaged in activism and mutual-aid efforts. Protesters gathered outside federal buildings in Minnesota following the announcement of the indictments and called for the charges to be dismissed.
The case has drawn attention amid broader national debates over immigration enforcement and protest rights. Similar prosecutions related to anti-ICE demonstrations in other jurisdictions have produced mixed outcomes, with some cases resulting in convictions and others being dismissed. Details of the evidence expected to be presented at trial remain limited in public filings.
As of Monday, the defendants were proceeding through the federal court system in Minnesota. Prosecutors said the investigation remains active, while defense lawyers indicated they would challenge the charges in court. No trial date had been publicly announced.
