The administration announced a mass spying campaign on progressive groups and protesters during the Minnesota immigration crackdown.

The administration announced a series of internal reports revealing that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted extensive surveillance on left-wing organizations and protesters opposing the immigration crackdown in Minnesota. Under the initiative known as "Operation Puppet Master," undercover agents infiltrated community meetings, libraries, and churches, while also obtaining financial records for mainstream unions and non-profit groups like the Sunrise Movement. Defense attorney Kevin Riach filed the records in court, accusing the government of a "mass spying campaign" and a "fishing expedition" that targets political opposition rather than specific criminal activity. While the administration charged 15 activists with a conspiracy to impede immigration officers, the indictment does not allege serious violence or specific injuries to officers. Critics argue that the government is using its investigative powers to criminalize lawful protest activity. The administration's use of administrative subpoenas and undercover agents to monitor public events has sparked concerns that the government is attempting to intimidate those who disagree with its policies.

Sources

• The Intercept
  Secret ICE Agent Tried to “Entice” Minneapolis Activists Into Confrontational Tactics
• The New York Times
  U.S. Investigated Left-Leaning Groups During Minnesota Immigration Crackdown
• The Guardian
  US conducted ‘mass spying campaign’ against leftwing groups and anti-ICE protesters, records reveal
• MPR News
  Feds spying in Minneapolis church may have violated court order
• The Guardian
  Donald Trump’s spying on leftwing groups recalls J Edgar Hoover’s Cointelpro