Documents show federal surveillance operation in Minnesota targeted progressive groups, unions

Federal agents initiated a covert surveillance operation dubbed Operation Puppet Master in Minneapolis earlier this year, targeting progressive organizations, labor unions, and other groups protesting ongoing immigration crackdowns, according to court documents. The program aimed at what officials described as a network of individuals allegedly aiding "violent opportunists and agitators."

The documents were filed in connection with a case involving 15 individuals charged in June with impeding the crackdown, accused of various actions, ranging from throwing ice chunks to setting up blockades. The government released these documents in response to a request from defense attorney Kevin Riach, who sought more information from the investigation.

According to the court motions, Homeland Security agents infiltrated meetings held in churches, schools, and parks, often involving discussions of constitutionally protected protests. DHS spokespersons declined to comment on the existence or methods of ongoing investigations, referring inquiries to the U.S. Attorney's office in Minnesota, which also did not respond promptly to the AP's inquiry.

Both Operation Puppet Master and a subsequent operation known as Project Whipple Shield were termed by Riach as "broad and irrational" investigations driven by political motives rather than genuine criminal activity.