A group of ICE protesters are in federal court facing arraignment as over a hundred supporters gather outside
Chanting "drop the charges and protect free speech," dozens of people are in line outside the federal courthouse in Minneapolis Wednesday afternoon, trying to get into the courtroom.
There, 14 people are facing charges after protests during Operation Metro Surge from this past winter, the federal government's immigration crackdown in Minnesota. Only 14 of the 15 defendants charged were present as one is currently in custody in Michigan on separate federal charges.
WCCO's Susie Jones talked to one supporter, Vic, who says it's important that he is there. He was part of the protest, but said it's his first time in line to try to enter the courtroom.
"Realistically, me standing in this line isn't really going to change any outcomes," he says. "So I am doing this for the 15 in there because again, I feel they would do that for me. They already have by being who they are as activists."
In June, a federal grand jury indicted 15 people accused of plotting violence against ICE officers in Minneapolis.
"A lot of the workers and immigrants who were targeted in this entire process were part of unions," another supporter told WCCO. "And so yes, a big part of the reason I'm out here is just because I'm showing my union support for those who are arrested, and those who are under attack right now from the Trump administration."
Federal prosecutors unsealed these charges against the defendants allegedly linked to antifa groups Action in Minnesota and the Black Hat Workers Collective, for allegedly orchestrating violent blockades, assaults, and the stalking of law enforcement during Operation Metro Surge.
"This action is not peaceful. It's obstructive, disruptive, and unlawful," says Minnesota's U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen. "The organization trains its members in the aggressive use of shields against law enforcement, surveillance, operational planning, ad rapid mobilization against law enforcement actions."
The charges include conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer, solicitation to commit a crime of violence, interstate threats, interstate stalking, assault on a federal officer, and destruction of government property.
