MINNEAPOLIS (Flux Daily News) — Kyle Wagner, a 37-year-old Minneapolis man, was arrested on Thursday after being charged with cyberstalking and threatening to kill or assault Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers involved in recent federal enforcement actions in Minnesota.
According to a statement from federal prosecutors, Wagner's threats included doxxing law enforcement officials, claiming affiliation with antifa, and inciting violence. Authorities are expected to make a decision regarding a formal indictment soon, as the case continues to unfold.
The complaint against Wagner, unsealed on Thursday, details his use of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to inspire his followers to confront federal officers who he labeled as 'murderers' and 'gestapo'. Wagner's posts allegedly encouraged violent confrontations, reflecting rising hostility against federal immigration efforts.
In line with this politically charged atmosphere, President Donald Trump announced in September his intention to designate antifa as a 'major terrorist organization'. Various far-left groups, collectively known as antifa, routinely oppose fascists and neo-Nazis during protests.
In comments made earlier this week, Tom Homan, the Trump administration's border czar, revealed that approximately 700 federal officers deployed in Minnesota would be withdrawn unless cooperation improves and protests against them cease.
Prosecutors revealed that Wagner directly threatened ICE officers in a viral video, expressing commitment to resistance against federal actions in his community. The complaint describes Wagner's declaration of being 'ready this time' for violent engagements, raising serious concerns about public safety and the volatility of current immigration policies.
Legal and political challenges have intensified for federal agencies in Minnesota, as shown by recent resignations within the U.S. Attorney’s office. The department faces an overwhelming number of immigration-related cases while grappling with civil rights issues surrounding enforcement actions.
