Federal Raids on Polygamist Compounds: Why the U.S. Government Targeted Mormon Fundamentalists

Explaining the legal and social reasons behind federal and state law enforcement actions against certain polygamist groups in the United States.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 19, 2026

Branched from Why Fundamentalist Mormon Groups Kept Practicing Polygamy After 1890

Quick take

Federal raids target groups practicing polygamy, particularly Mormon fundamentalists, due to suspected criminal activity.
Raids are primarily triggered by allegations of crimes beyond polygamy itself, such as child abuse, forced marriage, or fraud.
These actions highlight the ongoing tension between religious freedom and the government's role in upholding laws and protecting vulnerable individuals.
Historical anti-polygamy laws provide the legal framework, but modern interventions focus on associated crimes.

Federal raids on polygamist compounds involve law enforcement actions, typically by federal agencies or joint task forces, against isolated communities or groups that practice plural marriage, often associated with fundamentalist Mormon faiths. These actions are usually initiated due to suspected violations of federal or state laws, which can include the illegality of polygamy itself, but more commonly involve allegations of child abuse, forced marriage, welfare fraud, or other criminal activity within these communities.

Historical Context: The Rise of Fundamentalist Groups

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) officially disavowed the practice of polygamy (or plural marriage) in 1890 with the Woodruff Manifesto, leading to Utah's statehood. However, some members chose to continue the practice, forming independent fundamentalist groups that believe polygamy is a divine commandment. These groups operate entirely outside the mainstream LDS Church and often established isolated communities to preserve their way of life, setting the stage for future government intervention.

Legal Basis and Triggers for Intervention

The U.S. government's authority to intervene stems from anti-polygamy laws, most notably the Edmunds Act of 1882 and the Edmunds-Tucker Act of 1887, which criminalized plural marriage and disenfranchised polygamists. While direct prosecution for polygamy has become less common, raids are typically initiated when there are credible allegations of other serious crimes. These often include child sexual abuse, child marriage, forced labor, welfare or tax fraud, kidnapping, or obstruction of justice. The presence of these additional criminal elements transforms the issue from a purely religious freedom debate into a law enforcement matter aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals and upholding public safety.

Notable Examples and Evolving Enforcement

One of the most significant early raids occurred in 1953 at Short Creek, a polygamist community on the Arizona-Utah border, targeting widespread polygamy and alleged child marriage. More recently, the 2008 raid on the Yearning for Zion (YFZ) Ranch in Eldorado, Texas, belonging to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), garnered national attention. This extensive operation was prompted by allegations of child abuse and forced child marriages, leading to the temporary removal of over 400 children and subsequent criminal prosecutions. These events illustrate a continuing pattern where law enforcement acts when specific, often heinous, crimes are suspected to be occurring within these insular communities.

Federal and state raids on polygamist compounds highlight the complex intersection of religious freedom, individual rights, and the rule of law. They matter because they represent the government's assertion of its authority to protect vulnerable citizens, particularly children, from abuse and exploitation, even within groups claiming religious exemptions. These actions apply when law enforcement receives credible reports of criminal activity—beyond simply practicing plural marriage—that jeopardizes public safety or the well-being of individuals, particularly minors, within these communities.

Important Distinction

The mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has strictly prohibited polygamy since 1904 and excommunicates members who practice it. Fundamentalist groups are distinct and operate independently.

Is polygamy still illegal in the U.S.?

Yes, plural marriage remains illegal in all U.S. states, though specific laws and enforcement vary. While direct prosecution solely for polygamy is rare, the practice is not legally recognized.

Are all polygamists targeted by federal raids?

No, raids are generally not initiated solely for practicing polygamy. They typically occur when there are credible allegations of other serious crimes like child abuse, fraud, human trafficking, or other violations of federal or state law.

How do these fundamentalist groups differ from mainstream Mormons?

Mainstream Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) do not practice polygamy and have disavowed it for over a century. Fundamentalist groups are separate sects that continue to practice or believe in plural marriage, often viewing it as a core religious tenet abandoned by the mainstream church.

Are these raids considered religious persecution?

While some fundamentalist groups claim religious persecution, the government maintains that these actions are law enforcement operations targeting criminal activity, not religious belief itself. The focus is typically on crimes like child abuse, forced marriage, or fraud, not merely the practice of plural marriage.

What role do state laws play in these raids?

State laws, particularly those concerning child protection, marriage age, and fraud, are often central to these interventions. Federal agencies frequently work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement.

Sources

U.S. Supreme Court cases related to polygamy (e.g., Reynolds v. United States, 1878)
Historical accounts of the Woodruff Manifesto (1890)
Reports from federal and state law enforcement agencies regarding specific raids (e.g., Texas Department of Family and Protective Services regarding the YFZ Ranch raid, 2008)