US Justice Department accuses 15 Minnesota activists of ‘antifa’ activities

A US federal judge has upheld the conviction of former Wisconsin judge Hannah Dugan, who was found guilty of helping an undocumented man evade federal immigration agents. Dugan confronted agents in her courtroom, stating their administrative warrant was insufficient to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who was scheduled for a state hearing. She was convicted of aiding his evasion by leading him and his attorney out of a private jury door. Activists suggest Dugan was targeted by the Trump administration for her defiance during immigration raids. Dugan, who resigned amid impeachment threats, faces a potential five-year sentence but is likely to receive probation for the nonviolent crime.

Federal prosecutors have charged 15 individuals with impeding the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Minnesota. The charges allege a conspiracy to block arrests and deportations as part of an effort against the U.S. government. The investigation focused on members and associates of "Direct Action Minnesota," a coalition of protest groups accused of surveillance, planning, and mobilization against law enforcement. Actions cited include "stalking" ICE agents, throwing ice at vehicles, and blockading federal buildings. U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen stated that the measure of the crime is not whether bodily harm occurred, but the federal offense itself. Twelve individuals were arrested, two remain at large, and one is in custody.

The US Justice Department has charged 15 Minnesota activists, described as antifa members, with conspiring to interfere with and injure federal immigration agents during "Operation Metro Surge." US Attorney Daniel Rosen announced the charges on June 16, stating the activists allegedly planned to use force, not just words, to disrupt lawful immigration enforcement. The charges include conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers, solicitation to commit violence, and assaulting federal officers. Twelve defendants were arrested, with two at large and one already detained. These actions are linked to protests against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Minnesota from December to February, which faced criticism for its tactics. Rosen asserted the charges are based on actions, not speech, and aim to prevent violent interference with federal operations.