According to a public records request, Unicorn Riot has discovered that the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) has used fake social media accounts to monitor people and protests. The documents obtained provide insight into the workings of the MPD’s Strategic Information Center (SIC), where intelligence analysts use secretive techniques to collect information.
Strategic Information Center, a Clearinghouse for Intelligence Gathering
The SIC, which operates like a law enforcement fusion center, facilitates information sharing about major crimes and investigations. Methods and sources of intelligence used by the center include:
- Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)
- Predictive crime analysis
The center works closely with other intelligence groups, including:
- Minnesota Fusion Center
- Minneapolis FBI Field Intelligence Group and Joint Terrorism Task Force
- Criminal Information Sharing & Analysis unit
Intelligence is exchanged within these groups and with the other intelligence agencies via email and an internet-based intelligence network called ICEFISHX.
The Angel Garcia-Lonetree Accounts
The investigation revealed a series of social media accounts named Angel Garcia-Lonetree, which appear to be fake profiles used for monitoring protest activities. These accounts were found on various platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Livestream.
Key findings about the Angel Garcia-Lonetree accounts:
- Created around 2011, coinciding with the Occupy Wall Street movement
- Followed and engaged with protest-related content in Minneapolis
- Used a profile picture traced back to an Italian art student’s 2007 post
Despite extensive searching, no records of a real person named Angel Garcia-Lonetree were found, raising suspicions about the authenticity of these accounts.
Connection to Lt. Jeff Rugel
The investigation uncovered a strong connection between the Angel Garcia-Lonetree accounts and Lt. Jeff Rugel, Commander of the Strategic Information Center. Email records showed that information sent to Angel’s Gmail account was quickly forwarded by Rugel to SIC intelligence groups.
Background of Lt. Jeff Rugel
Lt. Rugel has a record of intelligence involvement in-gathering operations:
- In 2011, he was the Chairman of the Emerging Issues Committee, which determined how to deal with Occupy Wall Street.
- At least involved in pre-crime policing initiatives this works
- Provides training in “Identification via Social Media”
- Leads the Gang Enforcement Team within the SIC Response and Policy of MPD
Responding to the use of false social media accounts by the MPD, they rather indirectly admitted to their practices:
- As of 2013, they utilize social media platforms for “intelligence gathering and investigative purposes”
- Quipped that they follow guidelines from the International Association of Chiefs of Police
- Provided their policy on “covert use of social media,” which outlines procedures for creating and maintaining covert profiles
This investigation by Unicorn Riot has exposed the extent of covert social media monitoring by the Minneapolis Police Department. It highlights the sophisticated methods used by law enforcement to gather intelligence on protesters and activists, raising important questions about privacy, civil liberties, and the boundaries of police surveillance in the digital age.
