● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 negative
US Government Spied on Left-Wing and Anti-ICE Protesters in "Operation Puppet Master"
Key points
- DHS launched "Operation Puppet Master" to target anti-ICE organizers.
- Surveillance included undercover agents, Signal chat infiltration, and financial record collection.
- Records were disclosed as part of a criminal case against 15 Minneapolis protesters.
- The operation followed a directive to target groups labeled "domestic terrorist organizations."
Extensive Surveillance Revealed
Recently disclosed government records show the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) engaged in widespread surveillance of left-wing organizations and protesters. This operation specifically targeted groups opposing immigration enforcement in Minnesota and New York City earlier this year.
Methods of Investigation
Internal investigative reports detail that DHS deployed undercover agents to community meetings in the Twin Cities and New York City. The agency also infiltrated Signal chats and acquired financial records belonging to mainstream unions and left-leaning non-profit groups as part of its intelligence gathering.
Operation Puppet Master
In January, DHS initiated an inquiry called "Operation Puppet Master" with the stated goal of identifying a "network of conspirators" organizing against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This operation coincided with increased community organizing against ICE in the region following the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Legal Proceedings and Context
Nearly 30 internal law enforcement reports were released as part of a criminal case filed by the Department of Justice (DoJ) against 15 Minneapolis protesters. These defendants are accused of a "conspiracy" to "impede" US immigration officers. The investigations were reportedly influenced by a Trump administration executive order designating "antifa" as a "domestic terrorist organization."
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Newly released records indicate the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted extensive surveillance on left-wing organizations and anti-ICE protesters in Minnesota and New York City. This operation, named "Operation Puppet Master," involved undercover agents, infiltration of Signal chats, and obtaining financial records, leading to a criminal case against 15 Minneapolis protesters.