ACLU-MN Statement on DOJ’s Charges Against 15 Individuals Stemming from Operation Metro Surge

This morning, the Minnesota U.S. Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security announced charges against 15 individuals stemming from Operation Metro Surge.

The ACLU of Minnesota is monitoring and investigating the situation. While we do not yet have all of the information about these charges, the criminal prosecution of observers and protestors should be carefully scrutinized for retaliatory motives. Prosecution of a small number of people as punishment for exercising their First Amendment rights can chill people from exercising those same rights.

Given this administration’s history of misrepresenting the facts regarding their conduct toward observers and protestors during Operation Metro Surge, Minnesotans should demand transparency and reserve judgement until we fully understand the facts in this case.

“Minnesotans have the right to observe, document, and peacefully protest federal overreach into our state and abuses against our neighbors,” said ACLU-MN Staff Attorney Catherine Ahlin-Halverson. “We brought Tincher v. Mullin to halt the government’s unlawful policy of retaliation against observers and protesters for exercising their First Amendment rights. We will continue to use every available means to defend people whose liberties are threatened and whose voices are suppressed.”

"It’s critical that Minnesotans know and are prepared to exercise their rights,” said ACLU-MN Staff Attorney Alicia Granse. “You have a right to refuse to speak with federal law enforcement, to refuse them entry without a warrant, and to have an attorney present.”