# US Department of Homeland Security surveillance litigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-department-of-homeland-security-surveillance-litigation
> Updated: 2026-08-13T22:52:38.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

Legal challenges and court filings have emerged regarding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its surveillance practices. Initial litigation involved allegations that the agency unlawfully repealed a long-standing fee waiver for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and engaged in retaliatory surveillance against an individual monitoring immigration enforcement.

Subsequent disclosures revealed broader undercover operations in Minnesota, identified as ‘Operation Puppet Master’ and ‘Project Whipple Shield.’ These investigations allegedly targeted progressive groups, labor unions, and community institutions, including churches and schools, to identify those suspected of obstructing federal immigration enforcement. Court documents indicate that agents monitored group chats, obtained financial records of nonprofits, and compiled dossiers on citizens attending informational meetings.

Recent court filings detail that these operations were launched during a federal immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities. Defense attorney Kevin Riach stated that federal agents infiltrated meetings at churches, schools, libraries, and parks to monitor discussions regarding constitutionally protected protests. 

Furthermore, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) subpoenaed several years of financial records from organizations including the Sunrise Movement, the Communications Workers of America, and the Service Employees International Union. These actions were part of a probe into potential funding for what officials described as ‘violent opportunists and agitators.’ The surveillance surfaced in connection with a case involving 15 individuals charged with conspiring to impede federal immigration operations.

## Claims

- The DHS surveillance operations were unfounded and violated privacy rights. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- DHS agents infiltrated meetings at churches, schools, libraries, and parks. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The DHS launched Operation Puppet Master on January 28. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Federal prosecutors charged 15 people in June for allegedly impeding immigration enforcement. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- HSI conducted a second investigation called Project Whipple Shield. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Federal agents subpoenaed financial records from labor unions and climate groups. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Federal agents compiled dossiers on individuals attending informational meetings. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-13: DHS surveillance in Minnesota targeted progressive groups and unions

Court documents show the DHS conducted undercover surveillance and subpoenaed union and climate group records in Minnesota during an immigration crackdown, targeting progressive organizations.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/department-of-homeland-security-surveilled-minnesota-groups-and-unions

### 2026-07-23: Department of Homeland Security sued over SIJS fee waiver repeal and protester surveillance

DHS faces two lawsuits: one challenging the end of a $250 fee waiver for SIJS, the other alleging surveillance and retaliation against a protest observer whose Global Entry was revoked.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/department-of-homeland-security-sued-over-sijs-fee-waiver-repeal-and-protester-surveillance

---
Cite as: US Department of Homeland Security surveillance litigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-department-of-homeland-security-surveillance-litigation