Things That Go Boom A Walkman and a Wire
Feb 17, 2025
Mike German, a Fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice and former FBI undercover agent, shares gripping insights from his time infiltrating neo-Nazi groups. He discusses how the FBI manipulated post-9/11 fears to sidestep critical regulations and highlights troubling inefficiencies in domestic terrorism case management. German critiques the FBI's inconsistent approach to threats, from white supremacy to animal rights activism, and reflects on the moral complexities of undercover work amid a politicized justice system.
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Undercover Beginnings
- Mike German, initially investigating bank failures, switched to undercover work infiltrating neo-Nazi groups in LA.
- He wore a Sony Walkman taped to his leg with a microphone wire taped to his chest to record conversations.
Tape Rashes
- To deflect suspicion, Mike's case agent suggested he strip down during a meeting to prove he wasn't wearing a wire.
- Mike refused, revealing tape rashes from his recording device, proving his point.
Existing Laws
- The argument for new domestic terrorism laws is flawed.
- Sufficient laws already exist within the U.S. criminal code to address the issue.