The Southern Poverty Law Center says it is under criminal investigation by the Justice Department over its past use of paid informants.
The civil rights group disclosed the probe focuses on using informants to infiltrate extremist groups, often sharing intelligence with law enforcement.
The SPLC has faced criticism from conservatives and the investigation raises concerns about potential political motivations under President Trump’s administration.
How will this probe change how civil rights groups monitor extremist threats?
What legal line separates a nonprofit's intelligence gathering from criminal activity?
How does this case affect the legal protections and risks for confidential informants?
How can nonprofits ethically gather intelligence on violent groups without breaking the law?
What defines the proper relationship between law enforcement and private watchdog intelligence?