Minneapolis, Minnesota — Fourteen defendants pleaded not guilty Wednesday in federal court to charges tied to protests against ICE during Operation Metro Surge, the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement campaign in Minnesota.
Federal prosecutors allege the defendants conspired to impede or injure immigration officers by coordinating blockades near the Whipple Federal Building, tracking federal agents, and using encrypted Signal chats to share information. CBS Minnesota reported that prosecutors said the evidence includes 20 terabytes of data, 47,000 documents, and numerous messages.
Defense attorneys argue the case stretches federal law and criminalizes political speech, protest organizing, and opposition to aggressive immigration enforcement. They also objected to the government’s request for a 90-day delay to turn over discovery.
U.S. Magistrate Judge David Schultz rejected that request and ordered prosecutors to provide evidence within 90 days. A 15th defendant, Kyle Wagner, remains jailed in Michigan on separate charges and was not arraigned with the others.
Supporters gathered outside the courthouse and called the indictment political intimidation. Prosecutors say the case is about obstructing federal officers, not protected protest. The defendants remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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