U.S. Justice Department Orders Intensified Probe Into Antifa and Domestic Extremist Groups

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has directed federal law enforcement agencies to significantly ramp up investigations into the antifa movement and other groups deemed potential domestic extremist threats, according to an internal memo obtained by Reuters. The memo instructs prosecutors and federal agencies to make domestic terrorism cases a top priority, including probes into possible tax-related offenses committed by groups suspected of defrauding the Internal Revenue Service.

Bondi’s directive follows months after former President Donald Trump issued an order labeling antifa as a terrorist organization and vowing to target left-wing groups following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Antifa, described by the Anti-Defamation League as a decentralized, leaderless movement consisting of networks, collectives, and individuals, has long been the focus of political controversy surrounding domestic extremism.

In the memo, Bondi states that certain groups engage in or promote violence to advance political or social agendas, citing issues such as immigration enforcement, mass migration, anti-capitalism, anti-Christian sentiment, and what she referred to as radical gender ideology. She ordered the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces to prioritize uncovering such activity and mandated that federal agencies review existing intelligence files and share relevant information with investigators.

Federal authorities are also being instructed to revisit incidents from the past five years that may qualify as domestic terrorism, including the harassment or doxxing of law enforcement personnel and threats directed at Supreme Court justices. After compiling a list of suspected groups, the FBI must implement strategies similar to those used to dismantle violent and organized criminal networks.

The memo further directs the Justice Department’s grant offices to give funding preference to states and cities with programs designed to counter domestic terrorism. Additionally, the FBI has been told to upgrade its tip line to make it easier for witnesses and citizen journalists to submit photos, videos, and other evidence of suspected extremist activity.