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national lawyers guild
 O p e r a t i  n
 B a c k f i r e :
A Survival GuideforEnvironmental andAnimal Rights Activists
 
1
In 2004, several separate FBI investigations into the animalrights and environmental movements were combined intoMajor Case #220, also called Operation Backfire. Shortlyafter, the FBI’s top official in charge of domestic terror-ism announced that “The No. 1 domestic terrorism threatis the eco-terrorism, animal-rights movement.” As a result,members of these movements face heightened levels of lawenforcement surveillance, infiltration and harassment. Activ-ists, their families and friends are contacted at their homesand workplaces, and are often intimidated and pressured by both local police and FBI agents to share information.Laws such as the Animal Enterprise Protection Act (AEPA)and the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA) imposemore serious sanctions for certain crimes if committed byanimal rights activists. In some cases, the laws criminalizetraditionally protected First Amendment activities. Prosecu-tors often request “terrorism enhancements” to extend prisonsentences in cases involving animal rights and environmentalactivists. In addition to longer prison terms, those sentencedunder terrorism laws or enhancements face harsher treatmentin prison, including possible placement in highly restrictiveCommunication Management Units.
The Backdrop
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