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NewsKPBS Public MediaAugust 25, 2026San Diego

DHS undercover agents surveilled churches, libraries, and unions during Minnesota immigration protests

Federal agents conducted covert surveillance on community meetings at churches, libraries, and schools in the Twin Cities to monitor ICE protesters. The operation involved recording license plates, infiltrating private group chats, and obtaining financial records of labor unions and nonprofits.

surveillancecivil libertiesimmigration enforcementprotestprivacy
Read the full story at KPBS Public Media

Why It Matters

The disclosure reveals the scope of federal investigative tactics used against community members and advocacy groups, raising questions about the balance between law enforcement authority and First Amendment rights.

Key Facts

  • DHS agents attended meetings at churches, libraries, and breweries to record license plates and gather personal dossiers on attendees.
  • Federal agents infiltrated private group chats and obtained financial records of labor unions and nonprofits.
  • A government PowerPoint slide presented to a grand jury depicted a web of 18 organizations labeled 'The Conspiracy'.
  • The government claims the surveillance was 'standard law enforcement practice' targeting individuals charged with conspiracy, not peaceful protesters.
  • Prosecutors allege the targets were planning illegal activities, such as blockading a federal building, which they argue are not protected by the First Amendment.
  • DHS agents allegedly posed as construction workers to solicit information about 'direct action' at a public library meeting.
  • The surveillance operation occurred during a federal immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota last winter.
  • The government denies that the organizations shown in the 'conspiracy' web diagram were actually part of the conspiracy.

Who's Mentioned

personSergio Manancero“Manager of La Doña Cerveceria.”personRachel Levinson-Waldman“Director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for ”organizationDepartment of Homeland Security“Federal agency conducting the surveillance operation.”organizationService Employees International Union“Labor union whose financial records were obtained by DHS.”organizationCommunications Workers of America“Labor union whose financial records were obtained by DHS.”personSteve Sylvester“Interim pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.”personAaron Terr“Director of public advocacy with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expres”organizationMinnesota AFL-CIO“Labor federation identified in a government conspiracy web diagram.”personBernie Burnham“President of the Minnesota AFL-CIO.”personCody Sanders“Interim pastor at University Baptist Church.”