Fifteen Charged in Minnesota for Conspiring to Obstruct Federal Immigration Enforcement
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Federal prosecutors in Minnesota have indicted fifteen individuals, alleging they conspired to impede immigration officers during the state's 2025 enforcement operation, while two defendants remain at large.
Federal prosecutors in Minnesota announced Tuesday that fifteen people have been charged with conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers in connection with the state's 2025 immigration enforcement operation known as “Operation Metro Surge.” The indictment, filed by U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Michael McCarthy, alleges the defendants were members of two Minneapolis-based activist groups, Direct Action Minnesota and the Black Cat Worker’s Collective, which the prosecutors describe as opposing immigration law enforcement.
Twelve of the accused were arrested at the press conference, one was already in custody on unrelated federal charges, and two remain fugitives. The charging document cites actions such as setting up physical and “soft” blockades, using the encrypted messaging app Signal to coordinate monitoring of ICE agents, and following agents to other locations. Prosecutors presented social-media posts, including a video in which a defendant identified himself as “antifa” and discussed bringing firearms to a demonstration, and another post urging people to “become ungovernable.”
Rosen said the evidence would demonstrate the defendants’ intent to obstruct law-enforcement activities, adding that the seriousness of the offense does not depend on whether any officer was physically harmed. He declined to answer questions about whether any agents were injured, noting the indictment does not allege bodily injury.
Outside the federal courthouse, dozens of demonstrators gathered to protest the charges, displaying signs calling for an end to what they described as FBI entrapment. Former National Lawyers Guild president Bruce Nestor addressed the crowd, questioning the criminalization of protest tactics.
The indictment follows a series of federal cases related to the crackdown, many of which have been dismissed. The Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office has previously dropped 18 of 36 cases, including one in which a judge labeled a charging document a “false affidavit.” Rosen indicated that additional investigations are ongoing and that further charges could be filed against individuals who continue to conspire to impede law-enforcement operations.
The federal investigation also includes a review of two deaths of individuals—Renee Good and Alex Pretti—caused by immigration agents during the 2025 operation. Prosecutors said the killings remain under investigation and could result in charges.
The Minnesota case is part of a broader federal effort to address protests against immigration enforcement, with similar prosecutions occurring in Washington, Illinois, and Texas.