MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Defense Seeks Federal Surveillance Records in Minnesota 15 Conspiracy Case

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (August 28, 2026) Defense attorneys representing members of the group known as the Minnesota 15 are seeking additional federal records that they contend could reveal the extent of government surveillance conducted in Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge.

Attorneys presented arguments Thursday in federal court in Minneapolis over whether the government must turn over additional surveillance-related material as part of the criminal discovery process.

Fifteen defendants were indicted in June on charges of conspiring to impede federal officers during protests against immigration-enforcement operations.

All 15 defendants have pleaded not guilty. The charges remain allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Attorney Kevin Riach, who represents defendant Isaac Sant, filed the motion seeking additional documents and information concerning federal surveillance activity.

Defense representatives contend the requested material could help establish how broadly the Department of Homeland Security monitored Twin Cities residents and organizations during the federal enforcement operation.

The government’s position on the precise categories of requested records was not fully detailed in the publicly available report. The Department of Homeland Security has said it does not comment on continuing investigations or investigative methods.

U.S. District Judge David Schultz is expected to issue a written order addressing the discovery dispute. No timetable for the decision has been announced.

The Minnesota 15 case has raised questions extending beyond the conduct alleged in the indictment, including what surveillance techniques federal authorities used, which people or organizations were monitored and whether any surveillance reached protected political, religious or community activity.

Those questions are also emerging in separate federal litigation concerning alleged surveillance at University Baptist Church in Minneapolis. The church matter and the Minnesota 15 prosecution involve related concerns about federal activity during Operation Metro Surge, but they are separate legal proceedings.

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