CRIME & LAW

SPLC Faces DOJ Probe Over Paid Informant Program

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Washington — The Southern Poverty Law Center announced Tuesday that the Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into the nonprofit's past use of paid confidential informants who infiltrated extremist and white supremacist groups. CEO Bryan Fair said the focus appears to be on the SPLC's prior program, and the organization reported the probe could involve possible charges against the group or individuals. The announcement prompted media reporting that the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Alabama is leading the inquiry, while the Justice Department offered no immediate comment. SPLC has said the informant program gathered intelligence on violent threats and shared information with law enforcement; the organization noted historical threats to its staff, including a 1983 firebombing, as context for its past actions.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

1983: SPLC offices were firebombed, cited as historical threat.
Years later: SPLC operated a paid confidential-informant program to monitor extremist groups.
Program later became defunct; SPLC states informants provided intelligence to law enforcement.
Tuesday: SPLC announced it is the subject of a DOJ criminal investigation.
CBS News reported the probe is led by the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Middle District of Alabama.

Why This Matters to You

If the SPLC's informant program was part of your community's safety net, it's under scrutiny. The probe could impact how extremist groups are monitored. Stay informed about local law enforcement strategies.

The Bottom Line

The SPLC is under investigation for its past informant program. While the organization says it was about safety, the DOJ may see it differently. Worth forwarding if you care about how extremism is tracked in America.