WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Federal authorities in the United States are launching a new joint effort to investigate nonprofit organizations over suspected links to domestic terrorism, according to sources familiar with the plan. The initiative brings together agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division. Officials aim to track financial networks that may support extremist activities inside the country.
The new effort will operate through a centralized “mission control” command center based at the FBI. IRS Criminal Investigation agents will join on temporary one-year assignments to assist with financial investigations.
Officials say the partnership will combine the FBI’s intelligence capabilities with the IRS’s expertise in tracking financial crimes. Investigators plan to examine whether certain nonprofit organizations misuse funds or violate tax laws while supporting extremist causes. An IRS spokesperson confirmed the collaboration. The agency said it is working with federal law enforcement to identify individuals or groups that may fund political violence.
The initiative follows a directive issued in December by Attorney General Pam Bondi. In a memo, she instructed federal agencies to prioritize investigations into extremist groups, including those linked to the antifa movement.
Bondi described domestic terrorism as acts involving violence or threats used to push political or social agendas. She also urged investigators to explore possible tax-related crimes, including fraud against the IRS. The directive asked agencies to review existing intelligence and share relevant information with the FBI. It also called for the development of a list of groups that may meet the legal definition of domestic terrorism.
The plan has raised concerns among legal experts and civil liberties advocates. Some warn that targeting organizations without clear evidence could lead to overreach. Tom Brzozowski, a former Justice Department official, questioned whether investigators have enough legal justification to compile lists of groups for scrutiny. He noted that authorities can review public information freely, but they need proper legal grounds to collect and store data for investigative use.
Under U.S. law, domestic terrorism has a legal definition. However, it is not a standalone criminal charge. Prosecutors usually file other charges, such as conspiracy or weapons offenses, and may seek enhanced penalties linked to terrorism.
The FBI-IRS initiative is part of a broader federal effort to address domestic extremism. Sources say the deputy attorney general’s office is also working on a separate task force focused on funding tied to antifa-related groups.
U.S. attorney offices across the country have also been asked to appoint domestic terrorism coordinators. These officials will help manage investigations and improve coordination between agencies. The Justice Department said it remains committed to protecting public safety while upholding constitutional rights. A spokesperson emphasized that authorities aim to preserve free speech and religious freedom while prosecuting criminal activity.
Despite increased attention, there have been relatively few public cases involving antifa-linked individuals. One recent case in Texas drew notice after several defendants were convicted on charges including attempted murder and providing material support to extremist activity.
Federal officials continue to describe domestic extremism as a serious concern. FBI Director Kash Patel recently testified before Congress but did not highlight antifa during a major intelligence hearing. Lawmakers and analysts remain divided on how to define and address the threat. Some argue that decentralized movements like antifa lack a clear structure, which makes investigations more difficult.
It remains unclear which nonprofit organizations may face scrutiny under the new initiative. Authorities have not released a list of targets or detailed criteria for investigations. Officials say the effort will focus on credible threats and financial wrongdoing. Critics, however, caution that broad enforcement actions could risk targeting legitimate organizations if not handled carefully.
