15 Minnesotans Face Federal Conspiracy Charges Under 18 U.S.C. §372
Federal prosecutors charged 15 Minnesotans with conspiring to obstruct federal officers in Minneapolis.
Why it matters: These charges highlight legal risks in politically sensitive federal conspiracy prosecutions using broad statutes. Legal professionals must strategize amid civil liberties and evidentiary challenges.
- Fifteen individuals charged June 16, 2026, under federal statute 18 U.S.C. §372 for conspiracy to impede federal officers during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis.
- Charges include conspiracy, solicitation to commit crimes of violence, interstate threats, and assault on federal officers.
- Prosecutors allege defendants blocked roads, threw objects at federal vehicles, stalked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, and coordinated via encrypted apps.
- Defense attorneys deny Antifa links, criticize broad use of 18 U.S.C. §372, and assert political motivations behind prosecutions.
On June 16, 2026, federal prosecutors charged 15 Minnesotans under 18 U.S.C. §372, a federal conspiracy statute enacted over a century ago, alleging they conspired to obstruct and injure federal officers during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis. This operation supported federal immigration enforcement amid ongoing protests.
The indictment accuses defendants of actions such as blocking traffic, throwing ice at federal vehicles, and stalking agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to disrupt law enforcement operations. Prosecutors argue these acts escalated from protected protests to criminal conspiracy encompassing solicitation of violence, interstate threats, and assault on federal officers.
Evidence cited includes encrypted messaging communications and a video showing a defendant encouraging others to mobilize against federal law enforcement.
Legal analysts note 18 U.S.C. §372's broad language "makes it a blunt instrument, potentially catching lawful protest activities," according to former White House ethics attorney Richard Painter. The Department of Justice's public statement confirms the charges and underlying allegations.
Defense counsel have denied connections between their clients and extremist groups like Antifa. Attorney Kevin Riach, representing a defendant, told MinnPost the indictments appear "politically motivated prosecutions rather than evidence-based indictments," labeling Antifa a "far-right political invention used to justify harsh federal action."
The charges follow heightened tensions after two protesters were fatally shot by federal agents during the same operation, prompting a lawsuit by Minnesota state officials demanding investigation and transparency.
This case underscores challenges for attorneys balancing federal law enforcement authority and constitutional protections in politically charged conspiracy prosecutions. Counsel must meticulously evaluate evidentiary standards and constitutional safeguards amid intense public scrutiny.
By the numbers:
- 15 individuals — charged June 16, 2026, in Minneapolis under 18 U.S.C. §372
- Over 100 years — age of federal conspiracy statute 18 U.S.C. §372
- Two protesters — fatally shot by federal agents during Operation Metro Surge
Yes, but: While critics highlight potential overreach with 18 U.S.C. §372's broad language, prosecutors maintain the statute applies to coordinated efforts to obstruct law enforcement using violence and threats.
What's next: Litigation will likely focus on constitutional challenges to the conspiracy charges and demands for greater transparency around the Minneapolis operation.