Internal investigative files have revealed that the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched a widespread surveillance operation. This operation targeted anti-ICE protesters, major labour unions, and left-leaning advocacy groups.
The newly disclosed court documents show that undercover agents infiltrated community meetings, joined private activist Signal chats, and recorded audio at local events. These events included a “resistance skills training” at a public library and a sparring session at a church gym.
DHS investigators also issued administrative subpoenas to seize financial records, obtaining those of unions and non-profits as part of an inquiry into “domestic terrorist financing”. Agents posed as activists and engaged participants by offering to help with “direct-action” protests.
Emilia González Avalos, executive director of Unidos MN, a Minneapolis social justice non-profit, stated that she believes this is “a clear attempt to intimidate us, to punish and politically repress disagreement and difference.”