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NewsKPBS Public MediaAugust 25, 2026San Diego

DHS undercover agents surveilled churches, libraries, and labor unions in Minnesota

Federal court documents reveal that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents conducted undercover surveillance of community meetings at churches, libraries, and schools in the Twin Cities. Agents recorded license plates, infiltrated private group chats, and obtained financial records of labor unions and nonprofits as part of an investigation into ICE protesters.

surveillancecivil libertiesimmigration enforcementprotestprivacy
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Why It Matters

The surveillance operation raises questions about the scope of federal investigative authority and the potential impact on residents' willingness to participate in lawful political activities and community organizations.

Key Facts

  • DHS agents attended meetings at churches, libraries, and breweries to record license plates and gather personal information on attendees.
  • Agents infiltrated private group chats and obtained financial records of labor unions and nonprofits.
  • A DHS PowerPoint slide presented to a grand jury depicted 18 organizations under the label 'The Conspiracy'.
  • The government states the surveillance targeted specific individuals charged in a conspiracy case, not peaceful protesters.
  • Prosecutors claim the surveillance was 'standard law enforcement practice' and within the agency's authority.
  • The investigation included the Service Employees International Union and the Communications Workers of America.
  • DHS agents allegedly posed as construction workers to gather information on 'direct action' tactics.
  • The government denies that the organizations shown in the 'conspiracy' web were actually part of the criminal conspiracy.

Who's Mentioned

personSergio Manancero“Manager at 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.”other18“Number of organizations depicted on a DHS PowerPoint slide labeled 'The Conspira”personSteve Sylvester“Interim pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.”locationLa Doña Cerveceria“Brewery where an undercover agent attended a meeting.”locationPrince of Peace Lutheran Church“Site of an undercover agent's attendance at an ICE protest meeting.”personAaron Terr“Director of public advocacy with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expres”organizationMinnesota AFL-CIO“Labor federation identified in a DHS PowerPoint slide regarding a conspiracy cas”personBernie Burnham“President of the Minnesota AFL-CIO.”locationUniversity Baptist Church“Site where an undercover agent wore a wire to a self-defense class.”personCody Sanders“Interim pastor at University Baptist Church.”