Southern Poverty Law Center says its informant program was not kept secret from law enforcement

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) told a federal court that law enforcement agencies were aware of its informant program, which paid individuals within hate groups to gather intelligence, contradicting claims by the Justice Department that authorities were kept in the dark. The nonprofit faces fraud and money laundering charges for allegedly funneling donor funds to leaders of extremist groups like the KKK. SPLC argues that its disclosures to law enforcement helped prevent attacks and secure convictions, and it has requested a retraction of government statements it says could prejudice its trial. The case has drawn political attention, with President Trump denouncing the SPLC amid broader criticism of the prosecution as politically motivated.