Who Is Funding and Organizing the Minnesota Riots?

by Antonio Graceffo

As anti-ICE riots escalate in Minneapolis, the activist group Defend 612 has mobilized tens of thousands of supporters through encrypted communication networks to disrupt federal operations. An investigation into the group reveals a complex funding structure linking Defend 612 to liberal foundations, shell entities, politicians, and third-party organizations, some of which ultimately trace back to billionaire George Soros.

Defend 612 is a Minneapolis-based activist group that provides anti-ICE “know your rights” training, organizes and supports protests, and maintains a decentralized rapid-response network designed to interfere with ICE enforcement in real time. Its tactics include sending alerts through encrypted Signal chats, following ICE vehicles, swarming enforcement sites with observers and protesters, and whistle-blowing to warn potential targets.

On its website, Defend 612 claims that since the government launched “Operation Metro Surge” in the Twin Cities, “Somali, Latinx, and immigrant communities have faced relentless harassment, intimidation, abduction, detention, and deportation.” The group’s use of the term “abduction” rather than “arrest” reflects standard activist framing.

While Defend 612 does not argue that those targeted are legally present, it nonetheless seeks to shield illegal aliens from arrest and deportation, opposing the core function of immigration enforcement.

Defend 612 operates under fiscal sponsorship by Cooperation Cannon River (CCR), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Northfield, Minnesota (EIN: 82-0852275). Under this arrangement, CCR handles donations, financial management, and tax-exempt status on Defend 612’s behalf, allowing the group to operate without incorporating independently. Defend 612’s website directs donations to CCR, which describes its mission as supporting “social and environmental justice” initiatives.

In January 2026, watchdog groups including the Center for American Security and Advocacy (CASA) and the Functional Government Initiative filed IRS complaints alleging that Defend 612’s activities may violate CCR’s tax-exempt status by promoting interference with federal agents and encouraging potentially illegal actions.

CCR reported revenue of approximately $249,000 in its most recent IRS Form 990 filing for fiscal year 2024, reflecting significant growth from earlier filings showing net income and net assets of $48,409 in 2020.

CCR’s funding comes primarily from general contributions and foundation grants. Public filings list no program service revenue, significant direct government funding, or investment income, though indirect federal and state funding appears to flow through the broader network.

In December 2023, The Solutions Project awarded $50,000 to CCR through its Fund for Frontline Power, as documented in Cause IQ records and reported by Alpha News. The Solutions Project, co-founded by actor Mark Ruffalo and led by Gloria Walton, supports climate justice organizations, often emphasizing groups led by women of color, immigrants, and Indigenous communities.

The Tides Foundation provided at least $10,000 to CCR. Tides is a donor-advised fund that channels money to liberal causes and has funded similar Minnesota organizations, including Copal MN ($50,000) and Unidos MN. George Soros is linked to CCR through Tides via his Open Society Foundations (OSF), which he has funded with more than $32 billion.