ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Anti-ICE protesters rallied outside the St. Paul federal courthouse Tuesday afternoon after the U.S. Attorney's Office charged 15 individuals with crimes including conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer.
Those 15 individuals are accused of involvement with Direct Action Minnesota, a group allegedly trained in aggressive tactics against law enforcement.
Anti-ICE protesters are gathering outside the St. Paul Federal Building Tuesday afternoon after the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged 15 people with conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer. Caution: This video includes profanity and gestures.
A rally was held on Tuesday in response to 15 protesters being charged with allegedly coordinating efforts to block federal immigration agents during Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota.
The rally will include speakers from these organizations and others impacted by the criminalization of our neighbors.
FOX 9 is currently onsite monitoring the scene.
The individuals charged are making court appearances Tuesday afternoon, and several protesters gathered outside the Warren E. Berger Federal Building in St. Paul. At one point, video shows at least one protester trying to enter the building. Law enforcement told them to get back before deploying a chemical irritant.
The backstory:
In February, federal prosecutors arrested Minneapolis man Kyle Wagner, 37, for making threats against federal officers. In posts online, investigators said he encouraged his followers to “get your f—ing guns” and engage in acts of violence against federal law enforcement. Prosecutors said Wagner identified as an “Antifa member.”
Last year, President Trump also declared Antifa a major terror organization. The declaration gave the Justice Department new power to prosecute people who gave material support deemed “Antifa.”
