Faith Leaders Condemn DHS Surveillance of Minnesota Churches
Minnesota faith leaders are expressing serious concerns regarding the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) surveillance of churches during and after Operation Metro Surge, a significant immigration enforcement initiative launched under President Donald Trump. A motion filed in federal court on August 13 disclosed that DHS agents surveilled several churches in the Twin Cities, as well as schools, libraries, and restaurants, following the operation's launch in December 2025. This surveillance continued through the spring of 2026 and was linked to the prosecution of a group of activists known as the Minnesota 15, who faced federal conspiracy charges for organizing protests against the deportation campaign.
The surveillance operation reportedly involved sending undercover agents into churches such as University Baptist Church and Prince of Peace Church in Minneapolis. These agents recorded meetings and compiled lists of attendees, even documenting license plate numbers to identify individuals through social media. Reverend Cody J. Sanders, interim pastor at University Baptist Church, expressed his distress over the situation, stating that it was shocking yet made sense given the context of intimidation and fear tactics prevalent during the ICE operations in the Twin Cities last winter. He emphasized the violation of the sanctity of churches by government surveillance.
A federal court hearing scheduled for September 4 aims to determine whether DHS violated an injunction protecting houses of worship from immigration enforcement activities in the Twin Cities. This injunction, issued in February, prohibits DHS and its agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), from conducting arrests or investigations at these sites. In August, an alliance of churches filed a motion demanding the U.S. government explain why it should not be held in contempt for breaching this injunction.
Reverend Susie Hayward remarked on the compounded trauma resulting from the surveillance, linking it to the violent experiences of Operation Metro Surge, during which federal agents were involved in the deaths of protesters and the detention of thousands. She noted that the surveillance of holy spaces against the will of the community exacerbates the trauma already felt.
Faith leaders are also cautioning that such surveillance could create a chilling effect, discouraging community members from speaking out, organizing, or attending worship services. Minister JaNaé Bates Imari highlighted the irony of the government responding to peaceful expressions of faith and community solidarity with surveillance, framing it as an attack on religious freedom and an intimidation tactic against constitutional rights.
Sanders pointed out that government surveillance in houses of worship is not a new phenomenon, particularly for Muslim communities, which have faced this reality more extensively than Christian congregations. An amicus brief filed by free speech organizations in August characterized the surveillance as an unprecedented assault on free expression reminiscent of the Second Red Scare.
The upcoming court hearing represents a critical moment in the ongoing struggle to uphold protections for places of worship. Despite the challenges posed by government actions, Sanders affirmed the commitment of faith leaders to continue serving their communities and engaging in ministries of peace and justice, emphasizing that fear should not deter them from their mission.
