A self-proclaimed Antifa activist faces federal charges after openly calling for armed attacks on ICE agents in Minneapolis, culminating in a dramatic pre-dawn raid that underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting law enforcement from violent extremism.
Story Snapshot
- Kyle Wagner, 37, arrested in federal raid after posting videos urging followers to “get your guns” and confront ICE agents
- Wagner faces federal charges for threatening to assault and murder federal officers, with potential years in prison
- Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche labeled Wagner an “Antifa TERRORIST,” emphasizing zero tolerance for threats against law enforcement
- Wagner solicited large donations through social media platforms before being removed from Instagram and Venmo for inciting violence
Federal Raid Captures Suspected Extremist
Kyle Wagner was taken into custody February 5, 2026, when heavily armed Department of Homeland Security agents breached a Minneapolis residential building in a pre-dawn operation. Federal agents broke through the glass door after residents refused entry, then ascended stairs to apprehend Wagner. Independent journalist Ford Fischer documented the arrest, capturing images of Wagner being led away in handcuffs while wearing a black hoodie emblazoned with “I’M ANTIFA!” The dramatic nature of the raid reflects the seriousness with which federal authorities treated Wagner’s online threats against Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel.
Escalating Threats Against Federal Officers
Wagner posted multiple viral videos throughout January calling for armed confrontation with ICE and Customs and Border Protection agents. His inflammatory rhetoric included urging followers to abandon peaceful protest tactics and “get your f-cking guns,” while characterizing federal agents as “Gestapo,” “mass murderers,” and “fascist occupiers.” Wagner explicitly stated “we’re f***ing coming for you” in a now-deleted video directed at ICE officers. He also solicited substantial donations through Venmo and other platforms for what he termed an “emergency freedom and defense fund,” claiming the money would support a “guerrilla war in the streets” against immigration enforcement.
Administration Delivers Swift Justice
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced Wagner’s arrest on social media, declaring: “The Justice Department with ICE HSI arrested a self-identified anti-ICE Antifa TERRORIST in Minneapolis today. Conspire and threaten to assault, kill and doxx officers, and you’ll find yourself in federal custody facing the full force of justice.” Attorney General Pam Bondi issued an equally forceful statement: “If you come for law enforcement, the Trump Administration will come for you.” These announcements signal the administration’s determination to prosecute threats against federal agents aggressively, treating such incitement as domestic terrorism rather than protected speech.
Charges Reflect Serious Federal Crimes
Wagner faces federal charges of threatening to assault and murder ICE agents, offenses carrying significant prison sentences. Additional charges include doxing and threatening a Michigan-based ICE supporter, which constitutes another federal crime with substantial penalties. Wagner was scheduled for his initial federal court appearance on February 5, though it remained unclear whether he had secured legal representation. The charges stem from Wagner’s explicit online calls for violence following the fatal shooting of anti-ICE activist Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, which Wagner cited as justification for armed resistance against immigration enforcement operations.
Pattern of Extremist Activism Exposed
Wagner’s arrest occurred during what he described as an immigration enforcement surge in downtown Minneapolis, where federal agents conducted operations targeting illegal immigrants. His escalated rhetoric represented a dangerous shift from general anti-ICE activism to explicit solicitation of violence against federal officers. Social media platforms responded by removing Wagner from Instagram and Venmo on January 26 for inciting violence, disrupting his ability to organize and fundraise. The case demonstrates how online extremism can quickly translate into real-world threats, requiring decisive law enforcement action to prevent potential bloodshed against federal agents performing their duties.
Sources:
Kyle Wagner, self-described Antifa, calls for ‘armed’ action against ICE in Minneapolis – Fox News
