Minneapolis Man Faces Federal Charges for Threatening ICE Officers
Federal prosecutors have arrested and charged a Minneapolis man with cyberstalking and making threats to kill or assault Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. The arrest occurred on Thursday, following a crackdown in Minnesota that has drawn significant attention and controversy.
Details of the Charges and Arrest
Kyle Wagner, a 37-year-old resident of Minneapolis, was charged by complaint, as announced by federal prosecutors. The authorities stated that a decision to seek an indictment, which is necessary to proceed to trial, will be made in the near future. The complaint was initially filed on Tuesday and was unsealed on Thursday, revealing the serious nature of the allegations.
Court records in Detroit, Michigan, where the case was filed, do not currently list an attorney who can speak on Wagner's behalf. This has left questions unanswered regarding his legal representation and potential defense strategy.
Allegations of Doxing and Violent Threats
According to the complaint, Wagner engaged in a campaign of doxing and threats against law enforcement officers. Attorney General Pamela Bondi alleged in a statement that Wagner doxed officers, claimed an affiliation with antifa, and "encouraged bloodshed in the streets." Antifa, short for "anti-fascists," is an umbrella term for far-left militant groups that resist fascists and neo-Nazis, particularly at demonstrations.
President Donald Trump previously announced in September that he would designate antifa as a "major terrorist organization," highlighting the political tensions surrounding such groups.
Social Media Posts and Direct Threats
Prosecutors detailed that Wagner repeatedly posted on Facebook and Instagram, encouraging his followers to "forcibly confront, assault, impede, oppose, and resist federal officers." He referred to these officers as the "gestapo" and "murderers," using inflammatory language to incite violence.
The complaint alleges that Wagner posted a video last month containing an obscenity-laden rant that directly threatened ICE officers. In the video, he stated, "I've already bled for this city, I've already fought for this city, this is nothing new, we're ready this time," and concluded by saying he was "coming for" ICE. Another post advocated for physical confrontation, with Wagner urging, "Anywhere we have an opportunity to get our hands on them, we need to put our hands on them."
Doxing Incident and Michigan Connection
The complaint further outlines how Wagner used his Instagram account to dox an individual identified only as a "pro-ICE individual." He published the person's phone number, birth month and year, and address in Oak Park, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. Wagner later admitted to doxing the victim's parents' house, adding to the severity of the charges.
Federal prosecutors have not immediately responded to inquiries about why the case was filed in Michigan instead of Minnesota. The alleged doxing appears to be the sole Michigan connection mentioned in the complaint, raising questions about jurisdictional decisions.
Context of Federal Operations in Minnesota
This case unfolds against the backdrop of increased federal presence in Minnesota. Tom Homan, the Trump administration's border czar, announced on Wednesday that about 700 federal officers deployed to Minnesota would be withdrawn immediately. He indicated that a larger pullout would only occur after there is more cooperation and protesters cease interfering with federal personnel.
The charges against Wagner highlight the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and activist groups, particularly in regions experiencing heightened immigration enforcement activities. As the legal process moves forward, this case will likely draw further scrutiny regarding free speech, threats, and the boundaries of online behavior.
