A Minneapolis activist has been taken into federal custody and faces serious charges after prosecutors allege he posted threats urging violence against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on social media. The case highlights mounting tensions around immigration enforcement and online rhetoric targeting federal law enforcement officials.
Federal Charges Follow Alleged Threatening Messages
Federal authorities arrested 37-year-old Kyle Wagner Thursday in Minneapolis on charges that include threatening communications and cyberstalking related to alleged threats against ICE agents, the Department of Justice announced. Prosecutors say Wagner, who publicly identified himself with antifa on social platforms, repeatedly posted videos and comments encouraging followers to confront and harm federal immigration officers.
In court documents, prosecutors say Wagner’s posts referred to ICE officers with derogatory language and urged others to “come for you” and even suggested doing so “at the barrel of a gun.” Those statements, now deleted from his profiles, are central to the government’s case that he crossed the line from free speech to criminal threats.
Details of Alleged Social Media Conduct
Officials allege that in early January Wagner used Facebook and Instagram to broadcast aggressive messages aimed at federal immigration agents. In one instance, he reportedly used incendiary language to describe federal officers and encouraged his audience to “hunt” them and identify their identities. Prosecutors also claim he shared personal details of an ICE supporter in Michigan online.
Wagner’s social media accounts appear to have been deactivated by the time of his arrest. His initial appearance in federal court was scheduled to occur on the same day as his arrest in Minneapolis.
Federal Response and Next Steps
The Department of Justice has portrayed the case as part of its effort to address violent threats against federal law enforcement personnel. Charges related to threatening communications and alleged doxxing reflect the seriousness with which prosecutors are treating the online conduct. Wagner is currently detained as the legal process moves forward.
