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Minneapolis Man Arrested for Threatening ICE Officers Amid Immigration Crackdown
Federal authorities arrested a Minneapolis man Thursday on charges of cyberstalking and threatening Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers involved in Minnesota’s recent immigration enforcement operations.
Kyle Wagner, 37, faces serious allegations of posting threats online and revealing personal information of law enforcement officers, according to prosecutors. The criminal complaint, filed Tuesday in Detroit, Michigan, and unsealed Thursday, details a pattern of threatening behavior directed at federal agents.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi accused Wagner of “doxing” law enforcement officers—publishing their private information online—and threatening them while claiming affiliation with antifa, a loosely organized anti-fascist movement. Bondi further alleged that Wagner “encouraged bloodshed in the streets” through his online activities.
The case gained national attention when White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt displayed Wagner’s photo during Thursday’s daily briefing, labeling him a “domestic terrorist” and warning that “left-wing agitators” would face consequences for obstructing federal operations.
“If they are targeting, doxing, harassing and vilifying ICE agents, they are going to be held accountable,” Leavitt told reporters, referring to Wagner as a “self-proclaimed member of antifa.”
The arrest comes after President Donald Trump announced in September his intention to designate antifa as a “major terrorist organization.” Antifa, short for “anti-fascists,” represents a decentralized coalition of activist groups that oppose fascism and neo-Nazism, particularly at demonstrations, rather than a single organized entity.
According to court documents, Wagner repeatedly used social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to encourage followers to “forcibly confront, assault, impede, oppose, and resist federal officers,” whom he referred to as the “gestapo” and “murderers.”
Prosecutors highlighted one particularly concerning video posted last month containing an expletive-filled rant directly threatening ICE officers. “I’ve already bled for this city, I’ve already fought for this city, this is nothing new, we’re ready this time,” Wagner allegedly stated before concluding that he was “coming for” ICE.
The complaint details other troubling posts, including one where Wagner allegedly advocated for physical confrontation: “Anywhere we have an opportunity to get our hands on them, we need to put our hands on them.”
Investigators also allege that Wagner used his Instagram account to publish private information about a “pro-ICE individual,” including a phone number, birth information, and an address in Oak Park, Michigan—possibly explaining why the case was filed in Michigan rather than Minnesota. The complaint states that Wagner later admitted to publishing information about the victim’s parents’ home.
The case unfolds against the backdrop of a contentious immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota. Just one day before Wagner’s arrest, Trump administration border czar Tom Homan announced that about 700 federal officers deployed to the state would withdraw immediately, though he indicated a complete pullout would depend on increased local cooperation and an end to protester interference with federal operations.
The U.S. Attorney’s office in Minnesota has faced significant challenges during this period, with several prosecutors resigning amid frustrations over the immigration surge and the handling of two shooting deaths involving government officers. One lawyer was removed from her position after telling a judge her job “sucks.”
Dan Rosen, Trump’s chief federal prosecutor for Minnesota, recently informed a federal appeals court that his office faces a “flood of new litigation” and is struggling to manage the immigration caseload. He noted that his civil division is operating at half capacity, forcing the cancellation of other enforcement work.
“The Court is setting deadlines within hours, including weekends and holidays. Paralegals are continuously working overtime. Lawyers are continuously working overtime,” Rosen wrote, describing an office in “reactive mode.”
Federal authorities have not yet commented on why Wagner’s case was filed in Michigan rather than Minnesota. Court records in Detroit did not list an attorney representing Wagner, and prosecutors indicated that a decision regarding a formal indictment, necessary to take the case to trial, would be made soon.
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7 Comments
While I understand the desire to protest unjust policies, threatening and intimidating ICE officers crosses a line. Cyberstalking and publishing private information put lives at risk. There are legal and peaceful ways to voice dissent.
This is a concerning case of online harassment and threats against law enforcement officers. Doxing and inciting violence are never acceptable, regardless of political views. I hope the authorities take this matter seriously and hold the perpetrator accountable.
This story raises some complex issues around free speech, political protest, and public safety. While I’m sympathetic to concerns about immigration policies, the alleged actions of this individual appear to cross ethical and legal boundaries. Hopefully the justice system can find an appropriate resolution.
Targeting individual federal agents with online harassment is an abuse of free speech. Regardless of one’s views on immigration enforcement, threatening ‘bloodshed’ is unacceptable and could lead to real-world violence. I hope the justice system deals with this swiftly.
This case highlights the fine line between lawful protest and criminal behavior. While I understand the desire to oppose unjust policies, resorting to online harassment and threats against individual officers is a dangerous escalation that puts lives at risk. I hope the justice system can find a fair resolution.
Threatening and harassing federal agents, even in the name of political activism, is completely unacceptable. Doxing and inciting violence, real or implied, has no place in a civil society. The authorities are right to take this case seriously and prosecute the perpetrator.
Seems like a clear-cut case of criminal behavior masquerading as political activism. Doxing and inciting threats against law enforcement is dangerous and wrong, no matter the cause. Kudos to the authorities for taking this threat seriously.