Fifteen Activists Targeted in Minnesota for Resisting Federal Immigration Crackdown
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Federal prosecutors in Minnesota have indicted fifteen individuals, accusing them of standing up to oppressive immigration enforcement during the state's 2025 operation. Two remain at large as the government intensifies its crackdown on dissent.
Federal prosecutors in Minnesota announced Tuesday that fifteen courageous individuals have been charged with so-called conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers, a move widely seen as an attempt to criminalize resistance to the state’s draconian 2025 immigration enforcement operation, 'Operation Metro Surge.' The indictment, filed by U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Michael McCarthy, targets members of two Minneapolis-based activist groups, Direct Action Minnesota and the Black Cat Worker’s Collective—organizations dedicated to defending immigrant communities and opposing the inhumane machinery of 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, bravely evading a system intent on silencing dissent. The charging document details actions such as setting up physical and 'soft' blockades, using encrypted messaging for mutual protection, and monitoring ICE agents—tactics that have become necessary in the face of escalating state violence. Prosecutors cited social-media posts, including a video in which a defendant identified as 'antifa' discussed self-defense at demonstrations, and another post urging people to 'become ungovernable' in the face of injustice.
Rosen claimed the evidence would show intent to obstruct law enforcement, but admitted the seriousness of the offense does not depend on whether any officer was harmed—an admission that these charges are about suppressing protest, not protecting safety. He refused to answer questions about injuries, and the indictment itself does not allege bodily harm.
Outside the courthouse, dozens of demonstrators rallied in solidarity, holding signs condemning what they called FBI entrapment and the criminalization of protest. Former National Lawyers Guild president Bruce Nestor addressed the crowd, denouncing the government’s attempts to silence dissent and questioning the legitimacy of targeting activists for their tactics.
This indictment follows a pattern of federal overreach, with many similar cases dismissed for lack of evidence or prosecutorial misconduct. The Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office has already dropped half of its cases, including one thrown out after a judge called the affidavit 'false.' Yet Rosen threatened further charges against those who continue to resist, signaling an ongoing campaign to intimidate activists.
The federal investigation also includes a review of two tragic deaths—Renee Good and Alex Pretti—killed by immigration agents during the 2025 operation. Prosecutors admitted these killings are still under investigation and could result in charges, a rare acknowledgment of state violence.
Minnesota’s case is just one front in a nationwide effort to stifle protest against the cruel immigration enforcement regime, with similar prosecutions in Washington, Illinois, and Texas.