Federal prosecutors charge 15 people with conspiracy to impede agents during Minnesota immigration crackdown

Federal prosecutors have charged 15 people with conspiracy to impede federal agents during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Minnesota. The U.S. Attorney's office accused the individuals of coordinating efforts to block arrests and deportations, labeling their actions as a conspiracy against the U.S. government.

U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen stated that the investigation focused on members and associates of two activist groups that "violently opposed the enforcement of federal law." He characterized these groups as "antifa," a term used by the administration for militant left-wing activists. While 12 people were arrested Tuesday, two remained at large, and one was already in custody. Information regarding their legal representation was not immediately available.

The charges come amid an escalated crackdown by the Trump administration on "antifa," which it has designated a domestic terror group. The administration directed federal agencies to "investigate, disrupt, and dismantle" its affiliates and funders. This follows a case in Texas where eight individuals with alleged ties to antifa were convicted on terrorism charges, a development that raised concerns among civil liberties groups.

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The monthslong investigation had focused on members and associates of two activist groups that had "violently opposed the enforcement of federal law."

The 15 defendants are alleged to be part of "Direct Action Minnesota," a left-wing coalition that reportedly engaged in "surveillance, operational planning and rapid mobilization against law enforcement." Some individuals reportedly self-identified as "antifa." Their alleged activities included "stalking" U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, throwing ice blocks at their vehicles, and setting up blockades around federal buildings. Prosecutors declined to confirm if any federal agents were injured, emphasizing that causing bodily harm was not the sole measure of a serious federal crime.

Each defendant faces a charge of conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer, with some facing additional charges like interstate stalking, destruction of government property, and assault on a federal officer. The alleged conspiracy began in January, coinciding with the launch of "Operation Metro Surge," a broad immigration crackdown in response to alleged fraud within Minnesota's Somali community. The operation involved thousands of federal agents and reportedly led to over 4,000 arrests, though it was also met with significant local opposition.

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Whether or not they actually, at the end of the day, cause bodily harm is not the measure of whether or not they committed a serious federal crime