DHS Spied on Anti-ICE Protesters and Unions in Minnesota

You showed up to a public meeting at your local library to learn about your rights during an ICE arrest. You had no idea a federal undercover agent was in the room — recording audio, chatting with attendees, and handing out a phone number. That is exactly what newly released court records describe happening in Minneapolis in early 2026.

Nearly 30 internal DHS investigative reports were filed in federal court in connection with a criminal case the Department of Justice brought against 15 Minneapolis protesters. The documents, submitted by defense attorney Kevin Riach, reveal that DHS launched a program called "Operation Puppet Master" in January 2026. The goal: identify a "network of conspirators" organizing against ICE. Undercover agents attended open community meetings at libraries, churches, and parks. They joined private Signal group chats used by activists. DHS also used administrative subpoenas — which do not require a judge's approval — to pull financial records from major national unions, including the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the Communications Workers of America, as well as the nonprofit Sunrise Movement.

None of the organizations whose records were obtained have been charged with any crime. The 94-page federal indictment against the 15 defendants contains no allegations that any of them injured a specific ICE officer, and no charges of serious violence. Still, the government framed the investigation as targeting "domestic terrorist financing" and a conspiracy to "impede" immigration officers. Mike German, a former FBI undercover agent and civil liberties advocate, told reporters the government appeared to be using "guilt by association" logic rather than focusing on specific alleged criminal acts. "You're talking about meetings that are open to the public," German said. "It's hardly a challenge to 'infiltrate' this kind of meeting, and that should be a clue this isn't a criminal group."

For immigrants and their supporters, the records raise a direct question: can attending a community meeting, joining an activist chat group, or donating to a union create legal risk? Civil rights attorneys argue the First Amendment protects all of those activities. But the documents show the government treated them as evidence of conspiracy. Emilia Gonzalez Avalos, executive director of Unidos MN — a Minneapolis nonprofit mentioned in the files — said the operation was "a clear attempt to intimidate us, to punish and politically repress disagreement."

What to do if you attend community or activist events

• Know your rights at public meetings: you have the right to remain silent if approached by law enforcement. You do not have to answer questions about who organized the event or who else attended.
• If you are contacted by someone who claims to be a fellow activist but asks about "direct action" or suggests illegal activity, do not engage — and tell the organizer. This matches the behavior described in the DHS reports.
• If you receive a subpoena for financial or communication records, contact an immigration or civil rights attorney immediately before responding. Administrative subpoenas do not require a judge's order, but you may still have legal options to challenge them.
• If you are an immigrant and you are named in any federal investigation — even as a witness — consult an immigration lawyer before speaking to any federal agent. Statements made to DHS agents can affect your green card application, asylum case, or removal proceedings.