MONTGOMERY, ALA. — The U.S. Department of Justice announced a criminal indictment accusing the Southern Poverty Law Center of fraud by using funds to pay informants inside extremist groups. The action came as Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced a civil investigation into the organization's fundraising practices on May 11, 2026.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche accused the Southern Poverty Law Center of "manufacturing racism to justify its existence." The SPLC said the accusation was "provably wrong."

The SPLC said its informant program gathered intelligence to help stop attacks and dismantle the efforts of hate groups. It also said federal officials have long known about the program and that information gathered through it has been shared with law enforcement.

Marshall sent a subpoena to the organization seeking information about its donations and payments to informants. He said he is seeking to determine if the group violated state laws related to charitable organizations or deceptive trade practices. "We look forward to learning more about the inner workings of an organization that we have long believed was rotten, but until recently, has been impervious," Marshall said.

A spokesperson for the SPLC addressed the state action in a brief statement. "We have received notice of a subpoena and are currently reviewing," the spokesperson said.

The SPLC is best known for investigating hate groups. It has been a frequent critic of President Donald Trump's administration and has often clashed in legal cases with conservative groups, the Trump administration and the office of Marshall.