Infiltrators are undercover officers or informants who become members of political organizations. Some infiltrators just report on the other members of the organization (who they are, what they’re doing). Other infiltrators actively undermine the political organization, by causing dissension among the members or by promoting risky, harmful activities. An infiltrator who pushes other activists to engage in behavior that’s contrary to the organization’s goals or ethical standards is an “agent provocateur.” Just a few of the organizations that have suffered from government infiltration are: the AFL-CIO, the Black Panthers, the Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPES), and Earth First! A huge and particularly well-documented infiltration and disruption program was COINTELPRO, a long-term FBI operation.

Some activists, at the beginning of meetings, mistakenly announce: “Will all law enforcement agents please identify themselves?” Needless to say, no one comes forward. Aside from being futile, this ritual gives participants a false sense of security, as they may imagine that their meeting is therefore entirely free from surveillance.