Antifa is a loose network of militant activists rather than a single, centralized organization. The name comes from “anti-fascist,” but its adherents often appear to define fascism as anything they oppose. Many are anarchists, standing against all forms of government, while also claiming to oppose white supremacy, nationalism, authoritarianism, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, and capitalism.
They frequently use images of World War II U.S. soldiers to suggest they are carrying on that legacy, implying that Americans who don’t support their cause are betraying the memory of American heroes. Yet there is no fascist party in America today. Fascist candidates last appeared on ballots in the 1930s, and there are no major political figures or movements advocating for a totalitarian state or the abolition of democratic institutions. There does not even appear to be evidence of small fringe groups openly calling themselves fascist.
In practice, what Antifa targets are conservatives, Republicans, Christians, and law enforcement, with particular focus on federal immigration enforcement. Documented evidence shows Antifa groups consistently disrupting Republican events, harassing conservative activists, opposing Christian organizations, and attacking police and federal agents—not fascist organizations. When Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene accused AOC of supporting Antifa, she pointed specifically to their opposition to ICE and their disruptive actions at Republican gatherings.
The “anti-fascist” label functions as political branding, giving Antifa the appearance of heroic resistance while masking the fact that their true targets are mainstream American political opponents. This mislabeling makes their actions appear more legitimate than if they were accurately described as opposition to Republicans, Christians, and conservatives.
Antifa generally operates in small, local groups across the U.S. and a handful of other countries, with no central leadership. Some, like Rose City Antifa in Portland, are more visible, while others remain underground. Their activities range from researching and exposing far-right individuals to doxxing and pressuring employers to fire them. Some members justify physical confrontation, including “punching Nazis.” They are also known for wearing all-black clothing and masks during protests, where they intimidate conservatives and Christians, damage property, disrupt traffic, block public access, and confront law enforcement. These clashes have sometimes turned deadly, as in a 2020 Portland case where an Antifa-aligned individual was linked to a fatal shooting.
Hellbound and Down 