St. Paul Protesters Demand Charges Dropped for 15 in Anti-ICE Operation Metro Surge Case
Updated
Updated · FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul · Jun 16
St. Paul Protesters Demand Charges Dropped for 15 in Anti-ICE Operation Metro Surge Case
3 articles · Updated · FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul · Jun 16
Summary
Dozens rallied outside the Warren E. Burger Federal Courthouse in St. Paul on Tuesday as 15 people charged over anti-ICE actions made court appearances, with protesters demanding the case be thrown out.
Federal prosecutors say the 15 coordinated efforts to block immigration agents during Minnesota's Operation Metro Surge and charged them with crimes including conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer.
At least one protester tried to enter the building, video showed, and federal agents deployed a chemical irritant after ordering people to back away from the courthouse entrance.
Rally organizers said 12 of the 15 charged had been released, including two people whose hearings were held Tuesday, while supporters cast the prosecution as retaliation for anti-ICE activism.
The indictment also adds charges against Kyle Wagner, 37, whom prosecutors previously accused of threatening federal officers, as authorities tie the case to Minneapolis-based Direct Action Minnesota and other Antifa-aligned groups.