The Southern Poverty Law Center said it would "vigorously defend ourselves, our staff, and our work".

The Southern Poverty Law Center announced via YouTube Tuesday that it is now the target of an investigation by the Department of Justice.

The Southern Poverty Law Center said it is "outraged" by what it called the "false allegations" by the Department of Justice.

Federal prosecutors Tuesday evening announced an 11-count indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center for paying informants in hate groups.

The Southern Poverty Law Center said it would "vigorously defend ourselves, our staff, and our work".

Since 1971, the Southern Poverty Law Center worked closely with the FBI and DOJ against hate groups. Now the feds have indicted it on fraud charges.