Documents Reveal the Federal Government’s Vast Minnesota Surveillance Dragnet

Newly released court records reveal the federal government conducted a months-long surveillance campaign against left-wing groups in Minnesota following the January killing of Alex Pretti by a federal agent. This operation, known as "Operation Puppet Master," was initiated by the Department of Homeland Security in an ongoing criminal case filed against 15 Minnesota activists for "felony conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers."

The DHS utilized invasive tactics, including staking out apartment buildings, tracking car license plates, and undercover attendance at group meetings and fitness classes. An informant even dropped an audio device during a boxing lesson, forcing her to retrieve it. Additionally, the federal officials obtained years of financial records from activist organizations like Sunrise Movement and the Communications Workers of America, as well as wire transfers from the Service Employees International Union, using administrative subpoenas.

These actions were claimed to be part of an investigation into "domestic terrorist financing." However, none of the investigated organizations faced any charges.

Kevin Riach, an attorney for Minnesota activist Isaac Sant, expressed concern over this "unprecedented campaign by DHS to spy on Minnesotans," stating that the government alleged a conspiracy involving various labor unions, activist groups, and even a bicycle repair shop, despite no evidence supporting such claims. The grand jury was presented with a PowerPoint slide asserting these alleged connections between various groups.

Notably, this surveillance campaign is not the first of its kind. FBI agents in Spokane had previously secretly extracted data from protesters' phones. Homeland Security agents in Spokane also collected vehicle, license plate, and social media information from everyday individuals, entering the data into a digital evidence management platform.

These intrusive actions have targeted anti-ICE protesters on conspiracy charges for basic acts of protest, such as blocking a road or sharing information in a group chat. The Trump administration's use of such tactics has been criticized as an attempt to intimidate individuals and organizations who opposed its agenda, as stated by Aru Shiney-Ajay, the executive director of the Sunrise Movement.

The individuals involved in the "Minnesota 15" trial face between six and ten years in prison for alleged "conspiracy" against federal officers.