The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) regarding its now-discontinued program of employing paid confidential informants to gather intelligence on white supremacist and other violent extremist groups. The inquiry is being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama.
The SPLC, a nonprofit known for monitoring hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan, confirmed the federal probe in a video posted by the organization’s CEO, Bryan Fair. Fair stated that the investigation appears to focus on potential charges against both the SPLC as an entity and individuals involved with the informant program.
Fair defended the use of confidential informants as necessary for the safety of SPLC staff and the public. He cited a history of credible threats against the organization, including a firebombing of its offices in 1983, highlighting the violent nature of the groups targeted. The SPLC frequently shared intelligence obtained via informants with local and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI.
The Justice Department’s intensified scrutiny of nonprofit organizations allegedly involved with or funding domestic terrorism has increased in recent years, though it remains unclear whether this investigation is connected to that broader effort. The SPLC spokesperson has stated the organization is unaware of the DOJ’s specific legal theory behind the probe. The DOJ has not publicly commented on the matter.
Relations between the SPLC and the FBI deteriorated in October when then-FBI Director Kash Patel severed ties, accusing the SPLC of functioning as a “partisan smear machine.” Patel and allies linked to former President Donald Trump have criticized the SPLC for allegedly targeting Republican-aligned groups and for purportedly labeling ideological opponents as hate groups. A Republican-led congressional hearing in December addressed claims that the SPLC weaponized hate labels against political adversaries.
Additionally, Patel accused the SPLC and the Anti-Defamation League of providing erroneous information to the FBI that contributed to an internal memo linking violent extremism to radical Catholic ideology. An FBI internal review found no malicious intent but noted procedural failings and lack of evidence supporting the memo’s conclusions.
In response to the DOJ investigation, Fair vowed to vigorously defend the SPLC and its mission to combat hate, framing the probe as an attempt by the federal government to suppress organizations protecting vulnerable communities.
Why it matters
The DOJ investigation into the SPLC underscores escalating tensions between federal authorities and watchdog nonprofits amid concerns about political bias and the role of informants. The probe could have implications for how such organizations operate and collaborate with law enforcement in monitoring extremist threats.
Background
The SPLC is widely recognized for its efforts to expose hate groups and has historically used confidential informants to collect intelligence on potentially violent organizations. The group’s methods and affiliations have drawn criticism from political figures, especially allies of former President Trump, who contend the SPLC unfairly targets conservative groups. This investigation follows these politically charged disputes and a broader federal focus on so-called domestic terrorism financing and activities.
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