On August 29, 2008 at 9:15 pm the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the St. Paul Police Department, executed a search warrant at 627 Smith Ave So. Numerous items were recovered. No persons were arrested. The search warrant was a part of an ongoing investigation regarding serious criminal acts.

Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher stated, “This investigation pertains to actions of the RNC Welcoming Committee. The “Welcoming Committee” is a criminal enterprise made up of 35 self- described anarchists who are intent on committing criminal acts before and during the Republican National Convention. These acts include tactics to blockade and disable delegate buses, breaching venue security and injuring police officers. They have recruited assistance in their criminal conspiracy from other anarchists groups throughout the country. Through their plans and actions they have exhibited a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of others.”

Eduardo Cardenas, a member of the Minnesota Immigrants Rights Action Coalition, which organized the rally, said he is tired of elected officials wasting time and energy while millions of immigrants live in the shadows.

“We are passing a message to everyone in this neighborhood, in this city and in this state — that we’re tired of criminalizing hard-working immigrants,