Conservative watchdog organizations are urging federal authorities to look into and potentially revoke the status of nonprofits believed to support anti-ICE protests.
The Center for the Advancement of American Security (CASA) is requesting that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examine Cooperative Cannon River (CCR), a nonprofit based in Minnesota, for financing protests that allegedly disrupt federal immigration enforcement and promote violent demonstrations. This follows the Trump administration’s commitment to a tough stance against rioters.
The focus of the complaint is CCR’s backing of Defend the 612, a group significantly involved in the anti-ICE protests that have taken place in Minneapolis since January.
“Cooperative Cannon River financially supports ‘Defend the 612,’ which engages in various social media activities encouraging interference with federal immigration enforcement in the Minneapolis area,” CASA Director James Fitzpatrick stated. “‘Protect 612’ hints at potentially violent tactics directed at ICE through its messaging.”
“We believe that the IRS should review the tax-exempt status of this fiscal sponsor due to possible violations of federal laws, including those against obstructing federal law enforcement,” Fitzpatrick added. He suggested that if evidence of illegal actions is found, the organization’s status should be revoked.
A representative for Defend the 612 hasn’t replied to requests for comments.
CCR, which emphasizes social and environmental justice, achieved federal income tax exemption in March 2020, as reflected in IRS documents. There’s a clear connection between CCR and Defend the 612, as organizers claim that donations will “immediately” fund vests for protesters and other activist initiatives.
“Protect 612” seems to encourage people to disrupt federal immigration enforcement actions. For instance, social media posts have urged followers to alert others if they see what they describe as “masked kidnappers.” The group also advertises action training, asserting that they’re preparing people to “stop ICE and start a revolution.”
At least one political figure, Minneapolis City Council President Elliot Payne, has publicly supported the group, promoting their efforts on social media.
CCR receives funding from the Tides Foundation, which itself has financial backing from the Open Society Foundations—an organization associated with liberal billionaire George Soros. The Tides Foundation has contributed at least $10,000 to CCR and has also donated to the Minnesota Freedom Fund during the unrest following the 2020 George Floyd protests.
CASA has informed the IRS that through its financial support of ‘Defend the 612,’ which advocates for obstruction of federal immigration actions, CCR may be participating in illegal activities.
“First, CCR may be violating laws that prohibit obstructing federal officers or hindering immigration enforcement,” CASA’s letter stated. “Second, by sponsoring ‘Protect 612,’ CCR could be violating federal laws that ban threats against these officers.”
Recently, the Department of Homeland Security has intensified federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, leading to backlash from local Democrats and violent protests. Tensions heightened following a fatal shooting involving ICE agents, resulting in widespread demonstrations.
During these events, there were reports of violent mobs smashing ICE vehicles and looting federal properties. President Trump has warned of potentially invoking the Insurrection Act if local officials fail to address the unrest.
