Joe Chip 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is running one of the largest anti-left-wing surveillance operations in U.S. history, according to WIRED. Attorneys for 15 Minnesota residents facing federal conspiracy charges have obtained records showing HSI conducted sweeping spying on left-wing activists under operations including Project Whipple Shield and Operation Puppet Master, authorized by National Security Presidential Memorandum 7. President Donald Trump signed the memorandum in September 2025, following the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. The effort, which experts compare to COINTELPRO, involved roughly 120 HSI agents, including 11 undercovers, who infiltrated activist groups, churches, martial arts trainings, marches, and Signal chats. Agents used Reaper drones and PATRIOT Act-era tools, photographed vehicles, and monitored conferences in other cities. Prosecutors claim the defendants organized to impede ICE during Operation Metro Surge; defense attorneys say the charges criminalize lawful protest. Newly disclosed DHS records detail undercover agents posing as community members. One, using the Signal username “peanutbutterjelly,” attended “ICE watch” and legal observer trainings, screenshot protest plans, offered help with fundraising and flyers, and reported no threats to public safety. Other agents photographed demonstrators, trailed individuals to coffee shops and churches, and attended meetings of groups like the Sunrise Movement and the Party for Socialism and Liberation, where discussions focused on peaceful protest. A DHS spokesperson declined to comment on specific methods. Follow @fowatchfloor for more breaking news and intel.