Credit: dwillmodel
"Drop the charges protect free speech!"
Supporters of the group known as the "Minnesota 15" were at the federal courthouse in Minneapolis Wednesday afternoon, outside of a hearing in the federal conspiracy case tied to immigration enforcement protests.
All 14 of the defendants arraigned during Wednesday's hearing pleaded not guilty.
The 15th defendant, Kyle Wagner, remains in custody in Michigan on separate federal charges and is not expected to appear in court.
Federal prosecutors allege the 15 Twin Cities residents conspired to interfere with immigration agents during the large-scale federal immigration enforcement known as Operation Metro Surge earlier this year.
The indictment accuses the detendants or coordinating encrypted Signal chats and rapid-response networks, tracking immigration officers, organizing blockades around the Whipple Federal Building and raising money to support those efforts.
Prosecutors say the case is based on the defendants' alleged actions, not their political views.
Supporters and defense attorneys dispute those allegations, arguing the government is criminalizing protest activity and protected speech.
The case has drawn significant attention because it follows a series of other federal prosecutions tied to the same immigration operation that were later dismissed or resolved without trial.
Defense attorneys have questioned whether the government's latest allegations will hold up in court, while U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen has said evidence, including Signal messages and other communications, will support the conspiracy charges.