The Charges

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.

Many of the charges revolve around the day of the successful general strike in the Twin Cities and the partial blocking of the ICE command and detention center at the federal Whipple building.

“I really believe these charges are going to get dropped because they’re unfounded and ridiculous.  But I feel like the process is the punishment.”

— Natasha Rakotz, Minnesota 15 defendant