What's happening with the MN15?

On the morning of June 16th, federal agents carried out house raids across the Twin Cities, arresting twelve activists on charges of "conspiracy to injure or impede federal officers". Two more were arrested the following day, and one was already incarcerated. These fifteen were indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice as members of "Antifa Groups", specifically Direct Action Minnesota, Black Cat Workers' Collective, and the Ray Rainbolt Memorial Shooting Club. Direct Action Minnesota, as quoted in the indictment, is "a decentralized coalition of working-class people engaged in various forms of community defense against the current Federal Occupation, and against state and far-right violence more broadly".

The indictment does not describe one specific action, but rather a series of meetings and protests held throughout Operation Metro Surge in the Winter of 2026. The accusations include making anti-ICE statements online, planning and attending anti-ICE protests, and engaging in rapid response and mutual aid to defend our immigrant neighbors. These charges are political theater, targeting activists involved in the defense of our immigrant neighbors from the federal occupation of the Twin Cities.

The U.S. Attorney's office of Minnesota, the same agency that spent so much time and money assembling this indictment, is the agency tasked with prosecuting ICE's misconduct during Operation Metro Surge. They have failed to bring any charges whatsoever against the agents who murdered Renee Good and Alex Pretti and injured many others.

This indictment must be seen in the context of a broader crackdown on anti-fascist organizing. It follows on the heels of similar raids targeting anti-fascist, Black voting rights, and pro-Palestine activists in Georgia, Texas, Michigan, Oregon, and Ohio. The Federal government is attempting to create a bogeyman called "Antifa" with which to attack and prosecute all their political enemies.

At their first court appearance in early July, all defendants pled Not Guilty. 300+ people rallied outside the courthouse for their freedom. Their next court date will be announced on this site when it is set.

This website was created and is maintained by the MN15 Anti-Repression Committee.