Minneapolis, Minnesota – A Minnesota woman told Congress that she believes the federal government retaliated against her after she observed immigration officers during a Trump administration enforcement operation, adding local urgency to a national debate over surveillance powers.
Nicole Cleland, of Richfield, testified before Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee that her Global Entry airport screening privileges were revoked after a January confrontation with federal officers during Operation Metro Surge. She said officers identified her by name, told her they used facial recognition, and warned she could be arrested if she continued following them.
There is no public evidence that federal agencies used warrantless communications surveillance against Cleland. However, civil liberties advocates said her case shows how immigration enforcement, facial recognition, commercial data, and federal watchlists can affect people who observe or document government activity.
The testimony came as Congress debated Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which allows warrantless surveillance of foreigners overseas but can also capture communications involving Americans. The House recently rejected a short-term extension, 198-218, though existing court certification may allow collection to continue into 2027.
Federal prosecutors separately charged 15 Minnesota activists tied to Operation Metro Surge. Court filings cited large volumes of surveillance footage, reports, photos, and Signal messages.
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