Nonviolent Climate Activist Group Says It's Been Targeted by FBI 'Terrorism' Task Force

Extinction Rebellion claims a former member was visited by FBI agents inquiring about the group's activities.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The New York City chapter of the nonviolent climate advocacy group Extinction Rebellion says a former member was visited by two FBI agents, one from the Joint Terrorism Task Force, who asked about their involvement with the group. The group claims this is an escalation against the climate movement and the latest phase of the Trump administration's crackdown on dissent.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the federal government's efforts to criminalize nonviolent protest and dissent, particularly from left-wing and environmental groups. It raises questions about the use of 'domestic terrorism' designations to target activists and the broader implications for free speech and civil liberties.

The details

Extinction Rebellion, a nonviolent climate advocacy group, says a former member was visited by two FBI agents, one from the Joint Terrorism Task Force, who asked about their involvement with the group. The group claims this is an escalation against the climate movement and the latest phase of the Trump administration's crackdown on dissent. The group engages in nonviolent civil disobedience tactics like blocking roads and sit-ins, but its lawyer says these are typically misdemeanor offenses that wouldn't normally interest federal law enforcement.

  • Earlier this month, the FBI agents visited the former Extinction Rebellion member's residence 200 miles outside New York City.

The players

Extinction Rebellion

A nonviolent, decentralized climate advocacy group that uses artistic protests, community outreach, and strategic advocacy to drive environmental change.

Ron Kuby

An attorney representing Extinction Rebellion, who says the FBI visit is likely a sign that an actual investigation is underway.

Pam Bondi

The US Attorney General who acknowledged during a House Judiciary Committee hearing that the Department of Justice has a list of 'domestic terrorist organizations' being compiled under President Trump's National Security Presidential Memorandum 7.

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What they’re saying

“This is an escalation against the climate movement as a whole, and the next phase of this administration's crackdown on dissent that many of us have been expecting.”

— Extinction Rebellion Global (Social media)

“I believe this to be a significant escalation of the criminal legal system against Extinction Rebellion and find it very troubling. This is usually the way we find out an actual investigation is underway and is often followed by other visits and other actions.”

— Ron Kuby, Attorney for Extinction Rebellion (The Intercept)

What’s next

The former Extinction Rebellion member who was visited by the FBI agents has chosen to remain anonymous, but their lawyer says the visit is likely a sign that a formal investigation is underway.

The takeaway

This case highlights the federal government's concerning efforts to target nonviolent environmental and left-wing activists under the guise of 'domestic terrorism,' raising serious concerns about the chilling effect on free speech and civil liberties.