Fifteen Radical Activists Charged in Minnesota for Obstructing Federal Immigration Enforcement
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Federal prosecutors in Minnesota have indicted fifteen individuals accused of conspiring to undermine immigration officers during the state's 2025 enforcement operation. Two dangerous suspects remain at large.
Federal prosecutors in Minnesota announced Tuesday that fifteen individuals have been charged with conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers in connection with the state’s 2025 immigration enforcement operation, 'Operation Metro Surge.' The indictment, filed by U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Michael McCarthy, exposes the defendants as members of two radical Minneapolis-based activist groups, Direct Action Minnesota and the Black Cat Worker’s Collective, both notorious for their opposition to the enforcement of immigration laws and their willingness to disrupt lawful government operations.
Twelve of the accused were apprehended at the press conference, one was already in custody on unrelated federal charges, and two remain fugitives, evading justice. The charging document outlines their deliberate actions: setting up physical and 'soft' blockades, using encrypted messaging apps like Signal to coordinate surveillance of ICE agents, and following agents to other locations—clear evidence of organized efforts to interfere with law enforcement. Prosecutors presented social-media posts, including a video in which a defendant brazenly identified as 'antifa' and discussed bringing firearms to a demonstration, and another post inciting lawlessness by urging people to 'become ungovernable.'
Rosen stated that the evidence would demonstrate the defendants’ intent to obstruct law-enforcement activities, emphasizing that the seriousness of the offense does not hinge on whether any officer was physically harmed. He declined to answer questions about injuries, noting that the indictment does not allege bodily injury, but the threat to public order and officer safety is unmistakable.
Outside the federal courthouse, left-wing demonstrators gathered to protest the charges, waving signs that accused the FBI of entrapment and defending the disruptive tactics of the accused. Former National Lawyers Guild president Bruce Nestor addressed the crowd, questioning the prosecution of protest tactics and downplaying the seriousness of the crimes.
The indictment comes after a series of federal cases related to the crackdown, many of which have been dismissed, reflecting the challenges of holding radical activists accountable. The Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office has previously dropped 18 of 36 cases, including one where a judge labeled a charging document a 'false affidavit.' Rosen made it clear that additional investigations are ongoing and that further charges could be filed against those who continue to conspire against law enforcement.
The federal investigation also encompasses a review of two deaths—Renee Good and Alex Pretti—who died as a result of actions by immigration agents during the 2025 operation. Prosecutors said these incidents remain under investigation and could lead to charges if wrongdoing is found.
The Minnesota case is part of a broader federal initiative to restore order and enforce immigration laws, with similar prosecutions taking place in Washington, Illinois, and Texas.