Undercover agents spied on anti-ICE protesters in Minnesota

This agent documented Signal conversations, took screenshots of chats concerning protest plans, and offered to assist with fundraising and volunteer recruitment. Another undercover agent photographed demonstrators at protests and planning meetings, capturing images of individuals in costumes and anti-ICE messages. Additionally, DHS agents followed a protester, observing his movements from his home to coffee shops and a church.

The records were released as part of the ongoing prosecution of 15 Minneapolis protesters accused of conspiring to impede ICE. Earlier this month, a separate release of DHS files revealed the agency’s extensive surveillance of prominent left-wing groups and protesters under the operation named “Operation Puppet Master.” This operation involved deploying undercover agents to community meetings, infiltrating Signal chats, and obtaining financial records of left-leaning organizations and unions.

Civil rights groups and the protesters’ attorneys contend that the government surveilled individuals without adequate justification and is effectively criminalizing lawful protest activities. DHS and the Department of Justice (DOJ) did not immediately respond to inquiries. A DHS spokesperson previously stated that HSI, the branch conducting these investigations, does not comment on specific ongoing investigations or investigative methods.

Records indicate that undercover agent 9843, known as “peanutbutterjelly,” worked for Homeland Security Investigations, ICE’s investigative arm. Deployed in December 2025, the agent aimed to gather intelligence on organized networks potentially providing material support to individuals impeding federal law enforcement. The agent attended virtual and in-person meetings, including an “ICE watch” training where participants were urged to observe nonviolently and obey law enforcement commands, and a “legal observer” training where no public safety threats were noted.

The agent was not merely a passive observer, actively engaging with activists. In December, the agent offered to assist with verifying locations of hotels where ICE agents were believed to be staying and expressed interest in financial organizing and propaganda efforts. The agent also offered help with fundraising, hanging posters, and designing flyers. DHS reports documented photos and screenshots taken by the agent, including messages about housing for Veterans for Peace and discussions about a planned march and counter-demonstration.

Files also summarized interviews with two other undercover agents who attended a January community meeting hosted by the Sunrise Movement. One agent reported that organizers emphasized peaceful protest and discussed protest strategies. This agent offered to provide supplies for demonstrations, claiming to work in construction and be able to build whatever was needed. The activist accepted the agent’s phone number.

The other agent at the library meeting noted conversations focused on actions unlikely to lead to arrest. This agent described one individual who seemed inclined towards illegal activity and privately asked attendees about other groups for participation, especially for action-oriented events. This agent also took numerous photos from inside the meeting, including presentation slides, books on socialism and climate change, a “peaceful observer” vest, graffiti, handwritten notes, and protest signs.