The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) confirmed on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, that it is under criminal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) concerning its historical use of paid confidential informants to monitor extremist groups. The announcement came from SPLC CEO Bryan Fair, who stated that while the full scope of the probe remains unclear, the focus appears to center on the organization’s past practices of employing informants to gather intelligence on violent hate organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazi factions.
According to Fair, the SPLC utilized paid informants for decades as a necessary measure to protect its staff and the public, particularly following the 1983 firebombing of its Montgomery, Alabama offices and numerous subsequent threats against employees. He emphasized that the informant program was conducted discreetly to safeguard the identities of those providing information and that intelligence gathered was often shared with local and federal law enforcement agencies to prevent violent acts.
The investigation is being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama, which encompasses Montgomery, where the SPLC is headquartered. Neither the Department of Justice nor the local U.S. Attorney’s office has issued a public comment regarding the inquiry. Fair noted that the timing and nature of the investigation raise concerns about potential political motivation, particularly given the Trump administration’s broader scrutiny of civil rights organizations.
The SPLC has long been recognized for its litigation efforts aimed at dismantling white supremacist groups through civil lawsuits, including landmark cases that bankrupted KKK chapters and exposed paramilitary training camps. Fair asserted that the use of informants played a critical role in these efforts, stating, “There is no question that what we learned from informants saved lives,” and reiterated the organization’s commitment to defending its legacy and personnel.
This development adds to ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and nonprofit advocacy groups perceived as opposing its agenda. While the DOJ has not formally charged the SPLC or any of its employees, the organization said it will “vigorously defend ourselves, our staff, and our work” against any legal action stemming from the probe.
As of this writing, no indictments have been filed, and no timeline has been established for the conclusion of the investigation. The SPLC continues to operate its programs, including its hate group tracking initiative and legal advocacy work, while cooperating with inquiries as required by law.
For updates on this developing story, readers are encouraged to monitor official statements from the Southern Poverty Law Center and filings from the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama.