Composite story

DHS undercover agents monitored churches, libraries, and ICE protests in Minnesota

Internal files show Homeland Security agents recorded meetings at churches, libraries and a brewery and joined Signal chats during the Minnesota ICE surge. A church coalition asked a judge to hold DHS in contempt after an agent dropped a wire at University Baptist Church.

Court files unsealed in a Minnesota conspiracy case show undercover Homeland Security agents attended anti-ICE meetings at churches, libraries, a brewery and other Twin Cities sites, joined Signal chats and sought union financial records during Operation Metro Surge. University Baptist Church and a national church coalition asked a Massachusetts judge to hold DHS in contempt, saying an agent who recorded a May martial-arts class in the church gym violated a February order barring immigration enforcement at houses of worship. The government says it targeted people later charged among 15 protesters, not thousands of peaceful demonstrators, and that the church work was a criminal investigation rather than immigration enforcement.

Shared facts

University Baptist Church and other churches accused the government of violating that protected-area order.

Documents showed undercover agents entered University Baptist Church multiple times, at least once wearing a wire.

The documents show undercover agents and electronic surveillance.

The groups say the operation ran afoul of a February order by Judge Dennis Saylor IV barring immigration enforcement in or near certain houses of worship.

DHS sent undercover agents to community meetings.

The May 28 basement class was the recorded self-defense session at University Baptist Church.

The surveillance operation was during Operation Metro Surge.

The software was used to record Signal group chats.

Earlier DHS documents said agents noted license plates of cars in parking lots of meetings, including at churches.

Fifteen anti-ICE protesters are defendants in the federal case.

Agents investigated at the church several times between April and June, at least once going inside with a wire.

Kevin Riach's motion includes DHS reports on Operation Puppet Master and Project Whipple Shield.

A concealed body-worn audio recorder tumbled to the gymnasium floor.

Riach previously submitted administrative subpoenas for unions' financial records in a motion seeking more DHS disclosure.

Attorney Kevin Riach, who is defending Isaac Sant, submitted the exhibits.

The investigation included surveilling outside the church and photographing cars in the parking lot.

There are several photos of mourners at Alex Pretti's memorial site.

All 15 pleaded not guilty.

The agent said he told the protester he could help with stuff that's more direct.

DHS said the goal was to crack down on violent opportunists and assaults against federal officers.

Government lawyers argued Saylor's order covered immigration enforcement in churches, not criminal investigations even if ICE components ran them.

The agent described attendees' appearances, including a person dressed like Zelda and a schoolteacher with longer hair.

A DHS spokesperson said HSI does not comment on ongoing investigations or investigative methods.

A hearing on that motion is scheduled for Thursday.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's office in Minnesota declined to comment.

The 4th Circuit upheld that Maryland ruling on Tuesday.

President Trump designated antifa a domestic terrorist organization.

Disputed facts

A Minneapolis church is accusing the federal government of violating a court order.

NPR

Churches, libraries and breweries: Inside DHS' covert surveillance operation

Meg Anderson

25 Aug 2026

Facts

Pastor Steve Sylvester told his Prince of Peace Lutheran congregation that DHS had surveilled their Roseville church during last winter's immigration enforcement surge.

The Rev. Steve Sylvester, interim pastor of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Roseville, Minn., recently told his congregation that the Department of Homeland Security had surveilled their church during the federal immigration enforcement surge that happened in the state last winter.

On a recent Sunday morning at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Roseville, Minn., Steve Sylvester, the interim pastor there, had an unusual announcement to make.

Standing at the altar, he told his mostly elderly congregation that the Department of Homeland Security had surveilled their church during the federal immigration enforcement surge that happened in the state last winter.

According to government documents, an undercover DHS agent attended a meeting of ICE protesters at Prince of Peace in February. The agent captured the license plates of people there and then compiled dossiers including their names, addresses and information about their families and jobs, according to the motion.

fact

The agent then compiled dossiers with names, addresses and information about families and jobs.

According to government documents, an undercover DHS agent attended a meeting of ICE protesters at Prince of Peace in February. The agent captured the license plates of people there and then compiled dossiers including their names, addresses and information about their families and jobs, according to the motion.

fact

An undercover agent attended a January meeting at Minneapolis brewery La Doña Cerveceria.

Sanders said his first reaction was surprise, then anger.

Manancero said organizers at the brewery event were planning a lawful ICE protest.

In a Friday court filing, the government said it did not target the thousands of peaceful protesters in Minnesota.

The government said it targeted the people later charged in the conspiracy case.

Instead, it said it targeted the people who were ultimately charged in the conspiracy case. Prosecutors say they were planning activities not protected by the First Amendment, like setting up blockades at the federal building outside Minneapolis that served as ICE headquarters during the surge.

fact

She said there is not yet enough information to determine whether the Minnesota surveillance was legal.

Levinson-Waldman, of the Brennan Center, says the federal government has broad authority under the Fourth Amendment to gather information on people, though other laws do impose limitations. There isn't enough information yet to determine whether the surveillance in Minnesota was legal, she says.

attribution · Rachel Levinson-Waldman

DHS obtained financial records for nonprofits and labor unions, including SEIU and the Communications Workers of America.

As part of its investigation, the documents show, DHS obtained the financial records for several nonprofits and labor unions, including the Service Employees International Union and the Communications Workers of America. In its response, prosecutors said requesting these records was "within the authority" of the agency.

fact

Prosecutors said they were planning activities not protected by the First Amendment, including blockades at the federal building used as ICE headquarters.

Instead, it said it targeted the people who were ultimately charged in the conspiracy case. Prosecutors say they were planning activities not protected by the First Amendment, like setting up blockades at the federal building outside Minneapolis that served as ICE headquarters during the surge.

fact

Levinson-Waldman said the government has broad Fourth Amendment authority to gather information, though other laws impose limits.

Levinson-Waldman, of the Brennan Center, says the federal government has broad authority under the Fourth Amendment to gather information on people, though other laws do impose limitations. There isn't enough information yet to determine whether the surveillance in Minnesota was legal, she says.

attribution · Rachel Levinson-Waldman

The government said the surveillance was standard law enforcement practice.

She said the tactics seem to break from decades-long norms and guidelines.

She says the tactics described in the documents seem to break from decades-long norms and guidelines. They remind her of COINTELPRO, the domestic counterintelligence program run by the FBI, which began in the 1950s and ended in the early 1970s.

attribution · Rachel Levinson-Waldman

A grand-jury PowerPoint showed a web of 18 organizations labeled The Conspiracy.

One government document presented to grand jurors shows a PowerPoint slide depicting a web of 18 organizations with the label "The Conspiracy." A DHS agent testified to the grand jury that it showed other organizations the defendants in the conspiracy case were affiliated with, according to the motion.

fact

Prosecutors said requesting those records was within the agency's authority.

As part of its investigation, the documents show, DHS obtained the financial records for several nonprofits and labor unions, including the Service Employees International Union and the Communications Workers of America. In its response, prosecutors said requesting these records was "within the authority" of the agency.

fact

The government said it did not argue that the AFL-CIO or other groups on the slide were part of the conspiracy.

COINTELPRO agents intensely surveilled groups deemed subversive, including the Communist Party, Black Panthers and civil rights leaders such as King and Malcolm X.

As part of that operation, agents conducted intense surveillance on organizations it deemed subversive, including the Communist Party, the Black Panthers and civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.

fact

She said abuses of that program led to tighter Justice Department guidelines on investigative techniques.

A DHS agent testified it showed organizations the conspiracy defendants were affiliated with.

One government document presented to grand jurors shows a PowerPoint slide depicting a web of 18 organizations with the label "The Conspiracy." A DHS agent testified to the grand jury that it showed other organizations the defendants in the conspiracy case were affiliated with, according to the motion.

fact

The slide included a local teachers union, a bicycle repair shop and the Minnesota AFL-CIO.

They included a local teachers union, a bicycle repair shop and the Minnesota affiliate of the AFL-CIO, a large federation of labor unions. In a statement, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham said the government is "bringing back McCarthyism."

fact

Opinion

Sylvester told NPR it feels like living in 1950s Eastern Europe.

Sylvester said the surveillance feels completely out of place and inappropriate.

Brennan Center lawyer Rachel Levinson-Waldman called the revealed surveillance breathtaking.

"Quite honestly, it was breathtaking," says Rachel Levinson-Waldman, who directs the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice. "Just the scope of what was being revealed in terms of how deeply it had gone, how many government resources were being devoted to this."

attribution · Rachel Levinson-Waldman

Sanders said he hopes the church can resist the suspicion this is likely to generate.

"I do imagine people will look over their shoulder a little more and wonder, 'Is there someone here who's trying to gather information?' Or when they see a strange car in the parking lot," Sanders says. "I hope we can resist the kind of suspicion that this is likely to generate."

attribution · Cody Sanders

Manancero said government spying that way is maybe bad.

Manancero said he would understand sending someone to that open meeting to see if protesters planned something more serious against agents.

"I would understand why they would send somebody to that meeting, considering it was open to anybody that wanted to come because they were probably trying to figure out whether or not protesters were going to do something more serious against their agents," Manancero says.

"Do I think the government spying on us in that way is maybe bad? Yes," he said. "Am I surprised that they did it? No."

attribution · Sergio Manancero

Levinson-Waldman said legality is not the same as what people find ethical or comfortable.

Terr said the reports raise whether the government is investigating crimes or political movements.

"These reports raise the question of whether the government is investigating crimes or investigating political movements," Terr says. "When officials are infiltrating political meetings, recording protesters' license plates and examining years of financial activities by these mainstream advocacy groups, it raises the question, do they have actual evidence of criminal activity here?"

attribution · Aaron Terr

FIRE's Aaron Terr said the tactics raise First Amendment concerns because this surveillance can sweep up people engaged in lawful activity.

Aaron Terr, director of public advocacy with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, says the investigative tactics described in the court motion also raise First Amendment concerns, because this type of surveillance can also sweep up people engaged in perfectly lawful activity.

Terr says the image communicates a troubling idea: Be careful who you associate with.

"The consequences of that are that many Americans may be afraid to attend a protest, support an advocacy organization, because they don't want to become the target of a government investigation," he says.

attribution · Aaron Terr

Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham said the government is bringing back McCarthyism.

They included a local teachers union, a bicycle repair shop and the Minnesota affiliate of the AFL-CIO, a large federation of labor unions. In a statement, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham said the government is "bringing back McCarthyism."

attribution · Bernie Burnham

The Guardian

Revealed: How undercover agents spied on anti-ICE protesters in Minnesota

Sam Levin

25 Aug 2026

Facts

Undercover federal agents posed as concerned community members to spy on residents and activists who opposed ICE's Minnesota crackdown.

Newly disclosed records reveal how undercover federal agents posed as concerned community members to spy on residents and activists who opposed Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) crackdown in Minnesota.

fact

One undercover agent used the Signal username peanutbutterjelly.

Internal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) files, disclosed in federal court and reviewed by the Guardian, document the actions of several undercover agents, including one who went by the username "peanutbutterjelly" in Signal chats with activists. The documents show that the officer kept records of Signal conversations, screenshotting chats about protest plans, and offering to help with fundraising efforts and volunteer recruitment.

fact

The officer kept records of Signal conversations, screenshotting chats about protest plans and offering to help with fundraising and volunteer recruitment.

Internal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) files, disclosed in federal court and reviewed by the Guardian, document the actions of several undercover agents, including one who went by the username "peanutbutterjelly" in Signal chats with activists. The documents show that the officer kept records of Signal conversations, screenshotting chats about protest plans, and offering to help with fundraising efforts and volunteer recruitment.

fact

Other DHS agents trailed a protester as he left home, got coffee and went to a church.

Another undercover agent took photos at demonstrations and protest planning meetings, including of demonstrators in frog costumes, a poster that mocked JD Vance with heavy eye makeup, and a protester writing an anti-ICE message in chalk. Other DHS agents trailed a protester as he left his home, got coffee and went to a church.

The records also described the surveillance operation of nine agents deployed one day in February to trail four protesters to "determine a pattern of life and other potential intelligence". A report shows those agents monitored one person at his home and followed him as he drove his truck and got coffee. Agents watched this individual go to a church and noted him holding "ICE OUT" signs and "shields".

fact

Another agent photographed demonstrations, including frog costumes, a JD Vance mock poster and chalk anti-ICE messages.

Another undercover agent took photos at demonstrations and protest planning meetings, including of demonstrators in frog costumes, a poster that mocked JD Vance with heavy eye makeup, and a protester writing an anti-ICE message in chalk. Other DHS agents trailed a protester as he left his home, got coffee and went to a church.

The records released Tuesday included extensive "miscellaneous photos" taken by this undercover agent on their government phone. That included photos from inside a community meeting where organizers had a presentation slide encouraging people to attend a city council meeting. There was also a photo of a table of books, including a coloring book about socialism and books about climate change and mass incarceration.

The agent further took photos of: a march where a demonstrator wore a "peaceful observer don't shoot" vest; graffiti on a building that said "KILL ICE"; the agent's handwritten notes about a calisthenics workout class hosted by a socialist group; a group of brass musicians performing in protest of ICE; pizza and snacks at a table; and a "Defend our democracy" flag.

fact

Undercover agent 9843, known as peanutbutterjelly, worked for Homeland Security Investigations.

Undercover agent 9843, who went by the name "peanutbutterjelly" in the Signal chats of organizers, worked for homeland security investigations, the investigative arm of ICE, records show. In December 2025, the agent was deployed to "participate" in virtual and in-person meetings, records show. The agent's objective was to "gather intelligence regarding any organized networks of conspirators – operating online and in person – who may be providing material support to violent opportunists and individuals engaged in impeding federal law enforcement", DHS summarized in a February report.

fact

DHS said the objective was to gather intelligence on networks that might support people impeding federal law enforcement.

Undercover agent 9843, who went by the name "peanutbutterjelly" in the Signal chats of organizers, worked for homeland security investigations, the investigative arm of ICE, records show. In December 2025, the agent was deployed to "participate" in virtual and in-person meetings, records show. The agent's objective was to "gather intelligence regarding any organized networks of conspirators – operating online and in person – who may be providing material support to violent opportunists and individuals engaged in impeding federal law enforcement", DHS summarized in a February report.

fact

HSI carried out the investigations.

DHS and the DoJ did not immediately respond to inquiries on Tuesday. In response to questions about the previous records released in the case, a DHS spokesperson said earlier this month that HSI, its branch that carried out the investigations, "does not comment on the existence or status of specific on-going investigations, nor on investigative methods".

fact

In December 2025 the agent was deployed to participate in virtual and in-person meetings.

Undercover agent 9843, who went by the name "peanutbutterjelly" in the Signal chats of organizers, worked for homeland security investigations, the investigative arm of ICE, records show. In December 2025, the agent was deployed to "participate" in virtual and in-person meetings, records show. The agent's objective was to "gather intelligence regarding any organized networks of conspirators – operating online and in person – who may be providing material support to violent opportunists and individuals engaged in impeding federal law enforcement", DHS summarized in a February report.

fact

In December the agent joined hotel-protest organizers and offered to help verify ICE lodging locations.

The undercover agent was not just a passive observer in activist groups. In December, the agent got involved with advocates organizing protests at hotels where ICE agents were believed to be staying, with the agent offering to "assist with verifying the locations", records show. In one Signal chat, the agent wrote: "also v interested in the financial organizing piece (I like numbers and data) & marrying that together with propaganda so would love to work on both sides of these groups!!" It was unclear what the agent was referencing. In other messages, the agent also offered to help with fundraising, hanging posters and designing flyers.

fact

The agent attended a virtual ICE-watch training on Dec. 3.

The undercover agent attended a virtual "ICE watch" training on 3 December during which community members discussed how to monitor ICE officers' activities. Organizers at the meeting "urged participants to observe nonviolently and obey law enforcement commands", DHS said. The agent attended another "legal observer" training in person four days later, reporting there were no signs of "threats to public safety".

fact

Organizers urged participants to observe nonviolently and obey law-enforcement commands.

The undercover agent attended a virtual "ICE watch" training on 3 December during which community members discussed how to monitor ICE officers' activities. Organizers at the meeting "urged participants to observe nonviolently and obey law enforcement commands", DHS said. The agent attended another "legal observer" training in person four days later, reporting there were no signs of "threats to public safety".

fact

Four days later the agent attended an in-person legal-observer training and reported no threats to public safety.

The undercover agent attended a virtual "ICE watch" training on 3 December during which community members discussed how to monitor ICE officers' activities. Organizers at the meeting "urged participants to observe nonviolently and obey law enforcement commands", DHS said. The agent attended another "legal observer" training in person four days later, reporting there were no signs of "threats to public safety".

fact

In a Signal chat the agent offered to work on financial organizing and propaganda.

The undercover agent was not just a passive observer in activist groups. In December, the agent got involved with advocates organizing protests at hotels where ICE agents were believed to be staying, with the agent offering to "assist with verifying the locations", records show. In one Signal chat, the agent wrote: "also v interested in the financial organizing piece (I like numbers and data) & marrying that together with propaganda so would love to work on both sides of these groups!!" It was unclear what the agent was referencing. In other messages, the agent also offered to help with fundraising, hanging posters and designing flyers.

fact

DHS and DOJ did not immediately respond to inquiries on Tuesday.

DHS and the DoJ did not immediately respond to inquiries on Tuesday. In response to questions about the previous records released in the case, a DHS spokesperson said earlier this month that HSI, its branch that carried out the investigations, "does not comment on the existence or status of specific on-going investigations, nor on investigative methods".

fact

The undercover agent said they were pretty big on peaceful protest.

The agent also offered to help with fundraising, hanging posters and designing flyers.

The undercover agent was not just a passive observer in activist groups. In December, the agent got involved with advocates organizing protests at hotels where ICE agents were believed to be staying, with the agent offering to "assist with verifying the locations", records show. In one Signal chat, the agent wrote: "also v interested in the financial organizing piece (I like numbers and data) & marrying that together with propaganda so would love to work on both sides of these groups!!" It was unclear what the agent was referencing. In other messages, the agent also offered to help with fundraising, hanging posters and designing flyers.

fact

One agent said organizers gave a historical breakdown of Sunrise and discussed protest strategies in smaller groups.

The files released Tuesday also included summaries of DHS interviews with two other undercover agents who attended a January community meeting at a library hosted by Sunrise Movement, a national non-profit focused on the climate crisis and involved in protesting ICE. One agent recounted organizers giving a "historical breakdown of the Sunrise Movement" and then breaking into smaller groups discussing protest strategies.

fact

Nine agents were deployed one February day to trail four protesters for pattern-of-life intelligence.

The records also described the surveillance operation of nine agents deployed one day in February to trail four protesters to "determine a pattern of life and other potential intelligence". A report shows those agents monitored one person at his home and followed him as he drove his truck and got coffee. Agents watched this individual go to a church and noted him holding "ICE OUT" signs and "shields".

fact

The agent screenshot a message about housing for Veterans for Peace members.

A DHS report labeled "Images from UCA [undercover agent] 9843's phone" described photos and screenshots taken by the agent. The agent screenshotted a message about finding housing for members with Veterans for Peace, an advocacy group. The agent also kept records of messages about a march planned by a rightwing influencer and discussions of a counter demonstration. The agent further screenshotted a selfie one protester sent in a Signal group and recorded chats about signing up for an "ICE Out of MN" event.

fact

The other library agent said conversations focused on actions people would not get arrested for.

The other undercover agent at the library meeting said conversations were focused on actions "that wouldn't be something that … people would get arrested for". The agent described one "young white male" who "just in my opinion seems like somebody who wanted to to be more involved in illegal activity". This agent had private conversations with activists in attendance and asked them "if they knew of any other groups that you know, I can participate in, especially for action".

fact

The activist took the agent's phone number.

The undercover officer described having a one-on-one conversation with an activist, with the agent offering to provide supplies for demonstrations: "I told him that I work construction and I could do things with building whatever they need." The activist took the agent's phone number, the agent said. "I was like, look, I know you guys are peaceful and it's cool," the agent recounted, saying he told the protester he could "help" with "stuff that's more direct".

fact

The agent attended a February PSL meeting and reported no indication members wanted to use violence toward ICE.

This agent also attended a meeting in February of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, an anti-capitalist group, reporting the discussion was "political in nature" and "there was no indication that members of the group wanted to use violence towards ICE".

fact

The indictment of 15 protesters focused on Direct Action Minnesota.

The agents' work was part of a vast surveillance operation following the directive of Donald Trump's executive order issued last year designating "antifa" a "domestic terrorist" group responsible for "riots" targeting ICE. The indictment of 15 protesters focused on Direct Action Minnesota, a loose coalition of organizers accused of a "conspiracy" against ICE.

fact

The indictment included no charges of serious violence and no allegations that defendants injured specific ICE officers.

A report disclaimer said the transcript was produced by AI.

Opinion

Civil rights groups and defense lawyers argued the government was surveilling people without justification and criminalizing lawful protest.

The surveillance escalated during widespread anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in January. Civil rights groups and the protesters' attorneys have argued the government was surveilling people without justification and is criminalizing lawful protest activity.

attribution · civil rights groups and protesters' attorneys

Star Tribune

A Minneapolis church asks judge to hold Homeland Security in contempt

Susan Du

21 Aug 2026

Facts

The contempt motion was filed Thursday in Massachusetts by a national church coalition on behalf of University Baptist Church.

The motion, filed in federal court in Massachusetts Thursday by a national coalition of churches on behalf of Minneapolis' University Baptist Church, comes after HSI's surveillance and undercover operations were revealed to be part of an ongoing federal case against protesters accused of being "Antifa." The filing argues HSI's activities violated an injunction put in place last year barring immigration enforcement activities on or near church premises.

fact

Agents followed defendant Cameron Kennedy as he drove to and from University Baptist Church.

Investigation notes turned over to defense lawyers in the "Minnesota 15" case revealed that federal agents followed one of the defendants, Cameron Kennedy, as he drove to and from University Baptist Church this summer. While Kennedy didn't worship at the church, he and friends were part of an invitation-only group called Left Jab, which offered free mixed martial arts classes out of the church's basement gym.

fact

Kennedy and friends belonged to Left Jab, which offered free mixed martial arts classes in the church basement gym.

Investigation notes turned over to defense lawyers in the "Minnesota 15" case revealed that federal agents followed one of the defendants, Cameron Kennedy, as he drove to and from University Baptist Church this summer. While Kennedy didn't worship at the church, he and friends were part of an invitation-only group called Left Jab, which offered free mixed martial arts classes out of the church's basement gym.

Kennedy told the Minnesota Star Tribune that his group Left Jab was geared toward "leftists, queer folk" and others seeking self-defense training against right-wing violence.

fact

Saylor's order defined enforcement as including searches, questioning visitors and conducting investigations.

Kennedy suspects undercover agents also attended a church fundraiser for detained anti-ICE protesters.

The injunction came from a lawsuit by Christian churches arguing unbridled immigration enforcement at churches violated religious rights.

The injunction is part of a lawsuit filed by a number of Christian churches in federal court last year, arguing that a Trump administration policy allowing for unbridled immigration enforcement at churches violated their religious rights.

fact

Previous federal policy discouraged targeting religious institutions except in extreme public-safety circumstances.

Judge Dennis Saylor IV wrote that warrantless raids or waits to seize congregants at church would be profoundly troubling.

"The prospect that a street-level law-enforcement agent — acting without a judicial warrant and with little or no supervisory control — could conduct a raid during a church service, or lie in wait to interrogate or seize congregants as they seek to enter a church, is profoundly troubling," Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV wrote in his order granting the injunction in February.

attribution · Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV

Officials may still enter the plaintiff churches if they prove an extreme need.

HSI reports said the investigation would prioritize funding sources, organization structures and predicate actions behind the campaigns.

"This investigation is focused on identifying and disrupting sophisticated, organized campaigns supporting and engaging in this behavior," noted HSI reports turned over to defense lawyers in the Minnesota 15 case. "This investigation will prioritize the identification of funding sources, organization structures, and predicate actions behind these campaigns."

fact

Retired pastor Doug Donley said attendance fell after the administration ended the prior sensitive-locations policy.

Doug Donley, a recently retired University Baptist Church pastor, said that after the Trump administration ended Homeland Security's prior policy to tread carefully around religious institutions, the church saw an immediate decline in attendance as many congregants stayed home out of fear of profiling by federal agents.

attribution · Doug Donley

The church marked private areas, trained staff on warrants and locked doors during services.

Berg said there have been at least three major lawsuits over the end of the sensitive-locations policy.

There have been at least three major lawsuits by religious organizations challenging the Trump administration's overturning the sensitive locations policy, said Berg, the religious law expert. Churches have won in two of the cases, and one was just affirmed by an appeals court.

attribution · Thomas Berg

U.S. Attorney Dan Rosen alleged a campaign of violence but declined to identify any harmed federal agents.

Dan Rosen, U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, alleged at the time of the indictments that the defendants engaged in a campaign of violence, but declined to identify any instances of federal agents being harmed.

attribution · Dan Rosen

Trump designated antifa a domestic terrorist organization after the murder of Charlie Kirk.

Kennedy said agents were especially interested in swarm training, which he described as group situational awareness.

The exercises that undercover agents seemed especially interested in included "swarm training," said Kennedy, who described it as honing situational awareness in large groups and to help people avoid getting arrested or injured by law enforcement projectiles.

attribution · Cameron Kennedy

The U.S. Attorney's Office was expected to respond to defense motions on Aug. 21.

Opinion

Pastor Cody Sanders said sacred places and community activities there should not become targets of government infiltration.

"We should, as a society, agree that sacred places and the many and varied community activities taking place within them should not become targets of government infiltration," said the Rev. Cody Sanders, interim pastor at University Baptist Church, in a statement.

attribution · Cody Sanders

Berg said courts have been reluctant to hold officials in contempt but that has begun to change in Trump's second term.

While courts have generally been reluctant to hold government officials in contempt, Berg said that has begun to change amid the mass deportation campaign of Trump's second term.

"We know that judges have stopped giving the government the same kind of deference that they used to give it because of their experience with this administration stretching the truth, at best, and trying to evade orders."

attribution · Thomas Berg

Donley said the congregation had thought it was safe inside the church building.

RFRA requires a compelling reason before the government may burden religious activity.

The law that governs conflicts between the rights of religious groups and government needs is the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which puts a thumb on the side of religious freedom by saying the government must have a compelling reason to burden religious activity. The old policy guiding immigration enforcement at churches, which the Trump administration threw out, tried to strike that balance, the professor said.

"Churches have a strong argument under RFRA, which has been used by both conservative and liberal religious groups over the last 30 years," Berg said. "There have been controversies about RFRA when it's protected some evangelical Christians, but it's also protecting groups pursuing progressive understanding of the faith."

fact

Kennedy said Left Jab did nothing illegal.

Kennedy said the government is trying to scorch the earth around his community and anyone who would support resistance.

"When we look at these documents, it's very clear that the federal government is trying to scorch the earth around us and burn our community. Anybody who would support us, anybody who would support resistance," Kennedy said. "It's straight, clear political reprisal."

attribution · Cameron Kennedy

Kennedy called it straight, clear political reprisal.

"When we look at these documents, it's very clear that the federal government is trying to scorch the earth around us and burn our community. Anybody who would support us, anybody who would support resistance," Kennedy said. "It's straight, clear political reprisal."

attribution · Cameron Kennedy

POLITICO

Religious groups ask judge to consider contempt over undercover ICE operation

Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney

20 Aug 2026

Facts

The agent left, noticed the recorder missing, and returned about three minutes later to collect it.

According to a court filing, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent was taking part in "boxing/sparring practice" as part of a martial arts session at University Baptist Church in Minneapolis in May when a "concealed body-worn audio recorder" tumbled to the floor in the church gymnasium. The agent reported leaving the gym without immediately noticing the recorder was gone and returning about three minutes later to collect it.

fact

Individual activists also face assault, stalking and threat-related charges.

Details of the operation spilled out in recent days in connection with a criminal case in which the Justice Department has accused more than a dozen people of conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers. Individual activists also face assault, stalking and threat-related charges in the case.

fact

Church lawyers said the order barred operations aimed in whole or in part at enforcing immigration laws.

But attorneys for the churches stress that the judge's order barred operations aimed "in whole or in part" at enforcing immigration laws. In addition, the full scope of the investigation that led to the dropped recorder incident remains unclear.

fact

An anti-ICE protest disrupted church services in Minnesota.

It's the latest moment of tension between President Donald Trump's mass deportation efforts and religious institutions. In addition to the potential violation of a court order, the alleged incursion on a house of worship cuts against the administration's message that any infringement on religious freedom — such as the anti-ICE protest that disrupted services in Minnesota — would be met with severe criminal consequences.

fact

A Maryland federal judge last year concluded ICE enforcement threats chilled religious liberty.

Saylor, a Boston-based George W. Bush appointee, isn't the only judge to rule that ICE's decision last year to relax restrictions on enforcement at churches threatened religious freedom. A federal judge in Maryland last year similarly concluded that ICE's enforcement threats chilled religious liberty. That ruling was upheld on Tuesday by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.

fact

The full scope of the investigation that led to the dropped-recorder incident remains unclear.

Saylor is a Boston-based George W. Bush appointee.

Saylor, a Boston-based George W. Bush appointee, isn't the only judge to rule that ICE's decision last year to relax restrictions on enforcement at churches threatened religious freedom. A federal judge in Maryland last year similarly concluded that ICE's enforcement threats chilled religious liberty. That ruling was upheld on Tuesday by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.

fact

DHS top lawyer James Percival used X to criticize federal judges for allegedly slow-walking immigration cases.

In recent weeks, DHS' top lawyer, James Percival, has used his X account to pillory federal judges-including several of Saylor's colleagues, in Boston-for allegedly slow-walking immigration-related cases. One of those judges, Allison Burroughs, pushed back directly in a recent decision, accusing Percival — and DHS more broadly — of "shameful cruelty."

fact

Opinion

Judge Allison Burroughs accused Percival and DHS of shameful cruelty.

In recent weeks, DHS' top lawyer, James Percival, has used his X account to pillory federal judges-including several of Saylor's colleagues, in Boston-for allegedly slow-walking immigration-related cases. One of those judges, Allison Burroughs, pushed back directly in a recent decision, accusing Percival — and DHS more broadly — of "shameful cruelty."

attribution · Allison Burroughs

FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul

Minneapolis church accuses feds of violating court order with undercover agents

Emily Pofahl

21 Aug 2026

Facts

A Massachusetts judge in February deemed University Baptist Church a protected area where immigration enforcement is not allowed.

Court documents allege agents were inside as late as June 11.

A Massachusetts judge in February deemed University Baptist Church a "protected area" where immigration enforcement is not allowed, but court documents allege agents were inside as late as June 11.

According to the documents that are currently public, undercover agents were present at meetings and inside churches as late as June 11.

fact

The filings also named Project Whipple Shield.

Court documents filed last week show undercover federal agents conducted surveillance on churches, labor unions and activists organizing and attending anti-ICE protests. The motion, filed by Attorney Kevin Riach, includes Department of Homeland Security reports on investigations called "Operation Puppet Master" and "Project Whipple Shield."

fact

An undercover agent attended a May 28 self-defense class in the church basement.

According to court documents, members of University Baptist Church were shocked to learn undercover agents had been at the church investigating several times between April and June — on at least one occasion going inside wearing a wire and recording. DHS reports from Sant's motion last week describe an undercover agent attending a May 28th self-defense class taught inside the basement of the church.

fact

The reports were part of a discovery filing in Sant's case.

The churches asked the court to force the government to hand over any other DHS reports involving University Baptist Church.

But in February, a Massachusetts judge deemed University Baptist Church a "protected area" where immigration enforcement is not allowed. Now, in newly filed court documents, University Baptist Church and other churches around the country are accusing the federal government of violating that court order, and asking the court to force the federal government to hand over any other DHS reports involving UBC.

fact

An undercover agent attended a December Sunrise Movement meeting at First Universalist Church in Minneapolis.

Crow said the church was not aware of the undercover presence until the files were released.

FOX 9 reached out to University Baptist Church leaders and did not hear back.

FOX 9 reached out to church leaders at University Baptist Church for an interview but did not hear back. A DHS spokesperson said in an email to FOX 9: "HSI does not comment on the existence or status of specific on-going investigations, nor on investigative methods."

fact

Opinion

A University Baptist Church leader called it a complete violation of sacred space meant for sanctuary, not infiltration.

One University Baptist Church leader wrote: "This is a complete violation of our sacred space. The Church is meant to be a place of sanctuary and safety — not infiltration by government agents."

attribution · University Baptist Church leader

Rev. Jennifer Crow said the surveillance is an overreach.

Crow said the church is trying to practice basic religious freedom.

Crow said even if the surveillance has become the norm, it is not normal and should not be accepted as normal.

For Crow, the moment is a call to action.

Minnesota Reformer

New court filings reveal more details of undercover agents' surveillance of anti-ICE protesters

Minnesota Reformer

25 Aug 2026

Facts

A Tuesday filing in the case against 15 anti-ICE protesters contained more than 200 pages of undercover agents' notes and photos.

A court filing Tuesday morning in the federal case against 15 anti-ICE protesters contained more than 200 pages of undercover agents' notes and photos from the Department of Homeland Security's widespread surveillance operation during Operation Metro Surge.

fact

The exhibits include dozens of photos of cars of people who trailed immigration agents.

Agents used unnamed chat-capturing software to record Signal group chats.

Agents tried to identify who ran defend612.com and melttheicemn.com and subpoenaed registrars and payment processors.

The new documents describe the efforts agents undertook to identify the individuals behind the websites defend612.com and melttheicemn.com, the website for an event in February that convened hundreds of activists from around the country to learn from members about the Minnesota anti-ICE movement. Agents subpoenaed the websites' registrars and payment processors to confirm the identities of the website creators.

fact

Judge David Schultz denied the government's request to postpone the hearing over staffing shortages.

Photos included redacted plates of cars that followed ICE, known as patrollers, and of meeting attendees.

The new documents also contain dozens of photos of cars with redacted license plate numbers, presumably of cars that followed ICE — known as "patrollers" — and attendees at meetings of anti-ICE organizations. Previously-released internal DHS documents described undercover agents noting the license plate numbers of cars in the parking lots of such meetings, including at churches.

fact

Prosecutors said they have 20 terabytes of data, not all tied to the conspiracy defendants.

Judge Schultz said he inferred that not every bit of evidence was gathered pursuant to a warrant.

Opinion

The Minnesota Reformer described a frustrated Trump administration seeking to tamp down resistance to the immigration crackdown.

The documents further underscore the feds' use of intelligence tactics — including the use of undercover agents and electronic surveillance — as a frustrated Trump administration sought to tamp down the widespread resistance to the immigration crackdown, which wound up ensnaring many legal residents and led to the killings of two Americans.

center · libertarian

DHS undercover agents monitored churches, libraries, and ICE protests in Minnesota

Shared facts

Disputed facts

Shared opinions

Disputed opinions

Churches, libraries and breweries: Inside DHS' covert surveillance operation

Facts

Opinion

Revealed: How undercover agents spied on anti-ICE protesters in Minnesota

Facts

Opinion

A Minneapolis church asks judge to hold Homeland Security in contempt

Facts

Opinion

Religious groups ask judge to consider contempt over undercover ICE operation

Facts

Opinion

Minneapolis church accuses feds of violating court order with undercover agents

Facts

Opinion

New court filings reveal more details of undercover agents' surveillance of anti-ICE protesters

Facts

Opinion