First Thing: Court files show how federal agents spied on anti-ICE protesters | Martin Belam

Newly disclosed court and internal investigative documents show the Department of Homeland Security conducted a broad surveillance operation targeting anti-ICE protesters, labor unions and left-leaning advocacy groups in connection with the immigration crackdown in Minnesota. DHS sent undercover agents to community meetings in the Twin Cities and New York City, infiltrated private Signal chats, and used administrative subpoenas to obtain financial records of unions and non-profits as part of an inquiry described as examining domestic terrorist financing. Agents recorded audio at local events, including a resistance skills training at a public library and a sparring session at a church gym, and posed as activists offering to help with protest actions. The organizations involved were not accused of crimes, and a Minneapolis non-profit director said she viewed the operation as an attempt to intimidate and repress dissent.