Minneapolis Activist Group Promotes 'Jury Nullification Training'

Concerns raised over efforts to undermine prosecutions of anti-ICE activists

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A Minneapolis-based activist network called Defend612, which seeks to support 'resistance to the ICE occupation in Minneapolis,' is now openly advertising 'jury nullification training' amid high-profile cases involving anti-ICE activists. The group is promoting two virtual sessions titled 'The People's Pardon or Jury Nullification,' raising concerns about the integrity of jury trials in the Twin Cities.

Why it matters

Jury nullification is a legal tactic that allows jurors to vote to acquit a defendant despite believing the law was broken, often because they oppose the law itself or how it is enforced. Organized efforts to train potential jurors with the goal of derailing prosecutions raise serious ethical concerns, as it could undermine the rule of law and the fairness of the judicial process.

The details

Defend612 is promoting the jury nullification training sessions as a means of 'protecting our local heroes' from prosecution. This comes as the federal government seeks to prosecute several anti-ICE activists who disrupted a St. Paul church service last month, as well as hundreds of others facing charges related to anti-ICE activity. Veteran attorney Doug Wardlow states that if people are being told to lie to the court to obtain a position on a jury and then engage in jury nullification to ensure laws are not enforced, that would be highly improper.

  • The jury nullification training sessions are scheduled in the coming weeks.
  • Last month, a Minnesota Democratic Party official urged followers to use jury nullification in a federal case involving an assault against an immigration enforcement officer.

The players

Defend612

A Minneapolis-based activist network that seeks to support 'resistance to the ICE occupation in Minneapolis.'

Doug Wardlow

A Twin Cities attorney with more than two decades of experience who raised concerns about the organized efforts to train potential jurors for jury nullification.

Nick Kruse

A former vice president of the Minnesota Young DFL and current at-large director of Stonewall DFL, who urged his followers to use jury nullification in a federal case involving an assault against an immigration enforcement officer.

Tim Walz

The governor of Minnesota, who Defend612 accuses of siding with 'the rich and powerful' while putting everyday residents at risk.

Jacob Frey

The mayor of Minneapolis, who Defend612 accuses of refusing to 'even wear a whistle' in solidarity with activists.

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What they’re saying

“If you are telling people to lie to the court to obtain a position on a jury and then engage in jury nullification for the express purpose of ensuring that the laws are not prosecuted and enforced against offenders, that seems to me to be illegal.”

— Doug Wardlow, Attorney (Alpha News)

“Jury nullification can be an important tool for resisting tyranny. On the other hand, if you're organizing training for jury nullification as a means of essentially obstructing the enforcement of the law in cases where there is no overreach, that seems to me to be highly improper.”

— Doug Wardlow, Attorney (Alpha News)

What’s next

The judge in the upcoming federal cases involving anti-ICE activists will likely be closely monitoring the jury selection process to ensure no attempts at jury nullification.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing tensions between activist groups and law enforcement, as well as the potential risks of organized efforts to undermine the integrity of the judicial system through jury nullification training. It raises important questions about the balance between civil disobedience and the rule of law.