DOJ Launches Probe into Alleged Racial Terrorism Against Colorado Black Farmers

Meet the Mallerys, a Black family from El Paso County, Colorado: The DOJ is investigating whether they are the victims of domestic terrorismPhoto byBreaking Through News

Written by: Sam Orlando

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO - In a significant move toward addressing claims of racially motivated violence, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has opened an investigation into allegations of domestic terrorism and police corruption in Colorado. The investigation centers on the disturbing claims of Nicole and Courtney Mallery, a Black ranching couple who say they’ve been the targets of sustained threats, harassment, and violence since purchasing land in El Paso County.

The Mallerys, who own Freedom Acres Ranch in Yoder, Colorado, allege that their predominantly white neighbors—backed by local law enforcement—have engaged in a campaign of intimidation to force them off their land. The federal probe, confirmed by a DOJ source to Ark Republic, will be handled by the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division, which has the authority to prosecute civil rights violations.

“This is a pattern of intimidation and violence that must not go unchecked,” said a source close to the investigation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “We are looking for systemic violations of civil rights.”

The allegations first came to light in early 2023 when Ark Republic broke the story in a series called “Get Out.” The Mallerys detailed a series of attacks that included acts of racial hostility, sabotage of their livestock and land, and even threats to their lives. According to the couple, local law enforcement, particularly members of the El Paso County Sheriff’s office, not only turned a blind eye to these actions but in some instances, actively participated.

“Our lives have been turned upside down since moving here,” Nicole Mallery told Ark Republic. “We just want to farm, to feed people, but instead, we’ve faced nothing but terror.”

The Mallerys' story began in 2021 when they purchased the 1,000-acre ranch. Their troubles started immediately when a neighbor, Teresa Clark, confronted them on their land and expressed shock that they were the owners. According to Mr. Mallery, Clark claimed she was supposed to buy the property and tension between the families quickly escalated.

Clark, however, denies the allegations, claiming she is the victim in this dispute. In an email to Ark Republic, she expressed her side of the story but also reportedly made violent threats against community leaders who supported the Mallerys, including NAACP leader Portia Prescott.

The Mallerys have faced an onslaught of aggression, including having their security equipment destroyed, animals stolen, and being stalked by armed individuals. In one particularly terrifying incident, a local resident reportedly rode onto their property and threatened to rope them like cattle.

Despite local authorities dismissing their claims, the Mallerys found support from advocacy groups nationwide. More than $236,000 was raised for them via a GoFundMe campaign, although even that effort was stifled after false accusations led to the fundraising being temporarily halted. Supporters, ranging from gun clubs to food activists, have rallied to their side, offering protection and assistance.

The DOJ investigation marks a critical juncture for the couple, whose case has drawn national attention amid a larger conversation on racial discrimination in agriculture. The Biden Administration has taken steps to address historical injustices against Black farmers, recently disbursing $2.2 billion in assistance to those who faced discrimination in USDA loan programs. But for the Mallerys, justice remains elusive.

“We just don’t know who to trust,” said Nicole Mallery, a former U.S. Marine. “The harassment hasn’t stopped, even with restraining orders in place. They messed with the wrong Black people, though. We’re not going anywhere.”

The road ahead is uncertain, but the federal investigation signals that the Mallerys' fight is now on the national stage. The DOJ will be looking for a pattern of civil rights abuses, and if found, it could lead to criminal charges against those responsible.

For now, the Mallerys remain resilient, operating their ranch and continuing their mission to feed local communities despite ongoing intimidation. “All we want is peace,” said Mrs. Mallery. “But we’ll keep fighting if we have to.”

The Mallerys’ case represents a larger issue of racial tensions and land ownership in rural America—issues that may soon be exposed on a much broader scale as the DOJ investigates what could be a far-reaching pattern of domestic terrorism.