MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kyle Wagner, a 37-year-old resident of Minneapolis, was arrested on Thursday for charges related to cyberstalking and making violent threats against officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The federal prosecutors provided a statement indicating that the complaint, unsealed on Thursday, will potentially lead to an indictment, necessary for the case to proceed to trial.
Wagner allegedly engaged in a campaign of intimidation against law enforcement, referencing both doxing of supporters as well as calls for violent action against federal officers, whom he derogatorily labeled as the 'gestapo' and 'murderers.' The accusations include several posts on social media where Wagner encouraged his followers to confront federal officers physically.
In a video reportedly posted last month, he articulated a clear threat, stating, 'I’m coming for ICE.' Additionally, he is accused of advocating for violent confrontation, stating, 'Anywhere we have an opportunity to get our hands on them, we need to put our hands on them.'
As part of this intimidation campaign, Wagner doxxed a person identified merely as a 'pro-ICE individual,' leaking personal information online, including phone numbers and physical addresses. The legal proceedings against Wagner are noteworthy, especially given ongoing discussions about immigration enforcement and civil rights, particularly in light of President Donald Trump's previous designation of antifa as a 'major terrorist organization.'
Tensions remain high as this case develops amidst broader national discussions about federal immigration policies and local protests against such enforcement practices. Federal prosecutors have yet to explain why this case is filed in Michigan instead of Minnesota, given its relevance to local law enforcement dynamics.
With challenges surrounding the U.S. Attorney’s office in Minnesota, including staffing shortages and a backlog of immigration cases, the unfolding of this case could further intensify emotions within the community regarding ICE operations and local resistance efforts.
Wagner allegedly engaged in a campaign of intimidation against law enforcement, referencing both doxing of supporters as well as calls for violent action against federal officers, whom he derogatorily labeled as the 'gestapo' and 'murderers.' The accusations include several posts on social media where Wagner encouraged his followers to confront federal officers physically.
In a video reportedly posted last month, he articulated a clear threat, stating, 'I’m coming for ICE.' Additionally, he is accused of advocating for violent confrontation, stating, 'Anywhere we have an opportunity to get our hands on them, we need to put our hands on them.'
As part of this intimidation campaign, Wagner doxxed a person identified merely as a 'pro-ICE individual,' leaking personal information online, including phone numbers and physical addresses. The legal proceedings against Wagner are noteworthy, especially given ongoing discussions about immigration enforcement and civil rights, particularly in light of President Donald Trump's previous designation of antifa as a 'major terrorist organization.'
Tensions remain high as this case develops amidst broader national discussions about federal immigration policies and local protests against such enforcement practices. Federal prosecutors have yet to explain why this case is filed in Michigan instead of Minnesota, given its relevance to local law enforcement dynamics.
With challenges surrounding the U.S. Attorney’s office in Minnesota, including staffing shortages and a backlog of immigration cases, the unfolding of this case could further intensify emotions within the community regarding ICE operations and local resistance efforts.
