Tensions between Insane Clown Posse supporters and federal law enforcement date back to 2011, when the multi-agency National Gang Intelligence Center first designated juggalos as a gang. While the FBI no longer includes them in the National Gang Threat Assessment, lawyers for juggalos claim that they continue to face problems as a result of the original 2011 designation.

In a written statement given to POLITICO, the FBI acknowledged that juggalos had been recognized as a gang in just four states, Arizona, California, Pennsylvania and Utah.

The FBI also noted that the 2011 National Gang Threat Assessment was comprised of data that was shared with the Bureau and stated that the FBI investigates ‘activity which may constitute a federal crime or pose a threat to national security. The FBI cannot initiate an investigation based on an individual’s exercise of their First Amendment rights.”