Motion seeks dismissal of all charges against SPLC by the court
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Today, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) filed a motion in federal court to dismiss the charges against the SPLC based on vindictive prosecution. The motion argues that the charges brought against the 55-year old civil rights organization are the result of targeting by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and amount to retaliation, violating the SPLC’s constitutional right to due process.
Citing statements and actions by President Trump, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, other high ranking DOJ officials and FBI Director Kash Patel, the SPLC posits that the charges against it were brought not because of any criminal activity, but because the SPLC has been critical of the Administration’s policies and has published about extremist views held by Administration officials. According to the motion, the SPLC’s advocacy work and its reporting on hate and extremism are protected by the First Amendment; disseminating the SPLC’s research is public education and among the landmark work for which the organization is known.
“For weeks, we have been arguing against these false allegations levied against the SPLC — an organization that for 55 years has stood as a beacon of hope fighting white supremacy and various forms of injustice to create a multiracial democracy where we can all live and thrive,” said Bryan Fair, interim president and CEO, SPLC. “The government can’t prosecute the SPLC as payback for its protected speech — it violates basic constitutional rights.”
Some statements highlighted in the motion, like Blanche’s false claim that there was not evidence the SPLC passed information to law enforcement in efforts to thwart the criminal activities of hate groups—which the prosecution in the case has conceded was untrue and that Blanche later corrected— have also been the subject of other motions the SPLC has made showing how this prosecution is improper.
In April 2026, the SPLC filed two motions regarding the false statements made by Administration officials which seek to ensure the information shared with the grand jury was accurate. More information on those motions, still pending before the Court, can be found here. In the days following those motions, Blanche corrected his statements and clarified that the SPLC had, in fact, shared information with FBI and local law enforcement over the years about various planned attacks by white supremacist and extremist groups.
“The actions by the DOJ will not shake our resolve to fight for justice and ensure the promise of the Civil Rights Movement becomes a reality for all. The SPLC will vigorously defend ourselves, our staff and our work; we will continue to fight hate; and we will continue to envision and create a safer and more just world,” continued Fair.
The motion to dismiss for vindictive prosecution can be found here.
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About the Southern Poverty Law Center
The Southern Poverty Law Center is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements and advance the human rights of all people. For more information, visit www.splcenter.org.