The US attorney general, Pam Bondi, has instructed federal law enforcement agencies to investigate antifa and other domestic terror groups, with a specific focus on potential tax crimes. The directive, outlined in a memo obtained by the Guardian, marks an escalation in the Trump administration’s crackdown on leftwing activist networks.
The memo, sent to all law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, calls for a review of files and intelligence related to antifa within 14 days, with delivery to the FBI. It also instructs the FBI to compile a list of domestic terror groups and disseminate intelligence.
Bondi’s order follows an executive order signed by President Trump in September declaring antifa a domestic terrorism organisation, a move that legal experts say exceeds presidential authority. The memo describes antifa activists as using violence to advance political agendas, including opposition to law enforcement and immigration controls.
The justice department is also advised to consider tax crimes in cases where extremist groups may have defrauded the Internal Revenue Service. The memo suggests potential revocation of tax-exempt status for leftwing groups, which could hinder their philanthropic operations.
In October, terrorism charges were filed against activists allegedly part of a “North Texas antifa cell” after a protest at an immigration facility where a police officer was shot. Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated four European antifa groups as foreign terrorist organisations.
