Secret ICE Agent Tried to ‘Entice’ Minneapolis Activists Into Confrontational Tactics

ICE Agent Adam Saracco, who pushed an activist to the ground near Chicago last year, has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge following the incident. The confrontation occurred at a gas station in the city during the Trump administration's heightened enforcement efforts. Saracco, an ICE agent, was charged with a lesser offense after the altercation, which took place amid broader scrutiny of ICE's tactics during that period. The incident involving Saracco is part of a larger pattern of controversial actions by ICE agents, including those operating under secretive operations aimed at monitoring and disrupting activist groups. In Minnesota, a separate but related case has revealed extensive surveillance and infiltration by ICE agents into organizations such as the Sunrise Movement, a prominent climate and social justice group. This operation, referred to internally as “Operation Puppet Master,” involved undercover agents attending meetings, training sessions, and protests while posing as ordinary citizens. According to a court filing obtained by defense attorneys representing 15 Minnesota activists, ICE agents engaged in covert activities that went beyond mere observation. They recorded meetings at churches, libraries, and schools, despite the organizers' emphasis on nonviolent methods. These agents were present at key events organized by the Sunrise Movement, including a December 13 training session on how to resist ICE. By December 22, an undercover agent had joined the Signal group, which planned one of the group’s hotel protests. On January 9, two undercover agents attended a noise demonstration outside a Hilton Hotel, noting that a participant ignited fireworks. The Sunrise Movement, based in the Twin Cities, is known for its aggressive climate activism and has shifted its focus to opposing the Trump administration's immigration policies. Despite its reputation for direct action, the group consistently promotes nonviolence. Its executive director, Aru Shiney-Ajay, emphasized that the group’s approach is rooted in peace, stating that its members are trained to avoid conflict. However, this commitment to nonviolence did not shield the group from intense government scrutiny. The surveillance intensified after the killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents on January 24. Following this incident, ICE launched two investigations, “Operation Puppet Master” and “Project Whipple Shield”, targeting individuals deemed to be “violent opportunists and agitators.” Despite these efforts, the probe continued unabated, with undercover agents attending a Sunrise Movement training session at a public library just one week after Pretti’s death. The meeting included materials on resistance strategies, highlighting the extent of the agency’s interest in the group’s activities. Meanwhile, other aspects of ICE’s strategy have drawn criticism from lawmakers. Congressional Democrats have expressed concern over the agency’s plan to acquire electric shock gloves, which could be used during deportation procedures. The move, announced by ICE, has prompted calls for greater oversight and accountability. Additionally, a recent judicial decision has allowed the Trump administration to proceed with deportations of Somali nationals holding Temporary Protected Status (TPS). A Massachusetts-based federal judge lifted a stay on the case, enabling the commencement of deportations. These developments underscore the ongoing tensions between law enforcement agencies and civil society groups, particularly in the context of immigration policy and protest rights. As the legal battles continue, the actions of ICE agents, and their potential consequences, remain under close examination.