Court filing alleges DHS and federal agents secretly monitored Minneapolis protesters tied to progressive groups and unions during Trump immigration crackdown

Federal court documents filed in Minnesota say federal agents secretly monitored progressive groups, unions, and protesters in the Minneapolis area during the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, according to a report published Thursday.

The account, described in a 26-page motion, details two investigations referred to as “Operation Puppet Master” and “Project Whipple Shield.” The motion characterizes the surveillance as part of efforts to identify and track people and activity connected to demonstrations, and it is said to have been filed in connection with litigation over the federal monitoring.

The filing alleges the operation targeted “progressive groups and protesters” as well as unions involved in activity in Minneapolis. The court papers reportedly portray the investigations as having been carried out through a broader federal surveillance effort rather than a publicly announced program.

The report describes the documents as laying out specific details of the monitoring, including how agents identified targets and sought to observe protest-related activity. The motion’s framing suggests the government viewed the activities under investigation as connected to immigration enforcement operations underway at the time.

The filing and the report come as the question of federal surveillance and its impact on speech and protest activity has continued to draw scrutiny, including among groups that argue monitoring based on political affiliation or protest activity can chill lawful expression.

Under the court process, the next steps depend on how the case proceeds, including any rulings on the admissibility of evidence and the scope of relief sought by plaintiffs. The motion described in the report reflects the government’s position in that litigation, while other parties’ claims remain subject to the court’s review.