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Trump surveils left-leaning groups in Minnesota
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Homeland Security surveilled left-leaning groups in Minnesota during immigration crackdown. The probe targeted unions and climate groups never accused of crimes.
Background
The investigation opened four days after Alex Pretti, a government nurse, was fatally shot while filming immigration agents in Minnesota. The Trump administration had deployed thousands of immigration agents to the state, prompting protests. The DHS inquiry focused on left-leaning organizations, using invasive tactics like financial subpoenas and undercover infiltration.
How it unfolded
- late JanuaryAlex Pretti, a 37-year-old government nurse, was fatally shot while filming immigration agents in Minnesota.
- four days after Pretti's deathThe Homeland Security Department opened an investigation in St. Paul targeting left-leaning political organizations.
- first half of this yearDHS used administrative subpoenas to obtain financial records from the Sunrise Movement and the Communications Workers of America, and scrutinized wire transfers from the Service Employees International Union.
- Aug 13, 2026The New York Times reported on the surveillance operation, detailing undercover agents infiltrating group chats and spying on protesters.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The investigation targeted groups that provided help to 'violent opportunists and agitators' on the street.
- Critics
- The surveillance crossed the line between investigating criminal activity and political dissent, targeting groups never accused of crimes.
Still unverified
The full extent of the surveillance operation and the specific evidence against the groups has not been fully disclosed.