Mystery Visits by FBI Alarm Climate Activists in Boston Area

BOSTON, Mass. — Local climate activists are alarmed after reports of individuals claiming to be FBI agents visiting at least six of their homes on the same day in March. The motivations behind these visits remain unclear.

None of the activists targeted have histories of violent protests or felony charges in federal or Massachusetts courts. According to legal experts, it is uncommon for the FBI to seek out nonviolent climate advocates for questioning.

“Until this year, I have never heard about the FBI or any other federal law enforcement officer visiting or questioning any of the hundreds of climate activists that I have personally represented,” said Jeff Feuer, a Cambridge attorney who has worked with activists for over 30 years.

Concerns about free speech have grown, especially following high-profile detentions of pro-Palestinian activists. Karen Pita Loor, a Boston University law professor specializing in protest policing, expressed unease, noting, “It’s scary to have agents show up at your door and start asking you questions.”

Nathan Phillips, a Boston University professor, received a concerning text from his wife, who reported that two men claiming to be FBI agents visited their Newton home. “My jaw dropped,” Phillips said. He linked the visit to his activism advocating for pro-Palestinian protests and environmental issues.

Phillips is one of several activists who faced similar visits that day. WBUR has identified at least five other activists from the greater Boston area who encountered the alleged FBI agents. Donald “Monty” Neill, associated with Extinction Rebellion, confirmed that agents approached him as well, but he chose not to engage.

Kylah Clay, a public defender representing four of the visited activists, noted that while some had past misdemeanor arrests, none faced federal charges. The connections among the group seem to be their involvement in various nonviolent climate protests.

The FBI’s Boston Division did not confirm their involvement in these visits. Spokesperson Kristen Setera stated, “We do not confirm or deny the existence of an investigation.” Legal experts reaffirm that such visits fall within the FBI’s guidelines.

Retired FBI agent Michael Harrigan said, “The Bureau conducts hundreds of thousands of interviews a year.” He indicated that if the agency wanted further information, they would return.

However, Loor raises concerns about potential political motives behind the visits, especially amid allegations of federal agencies targeting individuals based on activism. Neill characterized the atmosphere as one of intimidation, suggesting, “The Trump administration is weaponizing the Department of Justice to go after people on the left.”

Phillips echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s intimidation,” but he remains committed to his activism, asserting, “I’m going to continue to express my First Amendment rights.” Another activist from Extinction Rebellion expressed a similar resolve, saying, “It takes courage to overcome fear, but I have to do it.”

As concerns grow about possible escalations against climate activists, Feuer warns that increased criminal charges could inhibit free speech and assembly rights, critical to the fabric of democratic participation.