In Minneapolis, as anti-ICE demonstrations rise, Defend 612 has taken the lead in mobilizing support through encrypted communication channels. This activist group operates with a complex network of funding that connects it to influential liberal foundations and notable figures. An investigation reveals ties to billionaire George Soros, raising questions about the overarching influence of wealthy donors on local movements.

Defend 612 aims to disrupt ICE operations by providing “know your rights” training and organizing protests. Its methods are direct; they send alerts via encrypted messages, track ICE activity, and deploy protesters to enforcement sites. They claim that immigrant communities have experienced severe injustices under operations like “Operation Metro Surge,” using language that frames enforcement actions as unjust abductions. This choice of words signals an alignment with activist narratives, despite not disputing the legal status of the individuals targeted by ICE.

The financial backbone of Defend 612 is supported through Cooperation Cannon River (CCR), a nonprofit that manages donations and funds without requiring Defend 612 to operate as an independent entity. CCR directs funds predominantly through contributions and grants, detailing a revenue increase from $48,409 in 2020 to around $249,000 recently, showing a significant rise in financial capacity.

Notably, watchdog organizations have expressed concerns. Complaints have been filed with the IRS asserting that Defend 612 might violate CCR’s tax-exempt status due to encouraging actions that interfere with federal authorities. Meanwhile, organizations like The Solutions Project and the Tides Foundation offer substantial financial support, including a recent $50,000 grant from The Solutions Project aimed at promoting climate justice and supporting groups favored by women and minorities.

Moreover, financial ties extend to Soros through the Open Society Foundations, fueling various liberal initiatives. Evidence suggests that Soros’s funds are not just theoretical; they directly bolster numerous advocacy efforts, tying back into the sustained support for immigration activism. Soros has contributed massively to Tides, linking him to a range of projects and protests, including those that oppose the established immigration law enforcement.

Funding to Defend 612 is also funneled indirectly from state programs. MN350 has passed funds earmarked for community projects that ultimately support the group’s operations. Though Defend 612 doesn’t receive state funds directly, connections with larger organizations provide a pathway for federal grants, thus intertwining public resources with private philanthropic efforts.

While Defend 612’s links to politicians appear indirect, they exist within a broader activist framework that connects multiple supporting groups. For instance, ties to the Sunrise Movement—known for its association with political figures—highlight an intersection of environmental activism with immigration issues, even if direct interactions with prominent politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez remain unproven.

This sophisticated funding structure illustrates a network where private donations converge with federal programs, creating a robust ecosystem that promotes an agenda through various means. Such an interplay of support, both financial and organizational, raises critical questions about the implications of these movements on public policy and law enforcement. In the face of escalating anti-ICE actions in cities like Minneapolis, the attention on the backers of these initiatives may shift the focus to who truly has influence over local protests and the motivations behind them.