Maybe this is too cynical, but I think the only thing spy agencies consider off limits is getting caught. There are plenty of assassinations, torturings, etc t

Maybe this is too cynical, but I think the only thing spy agencies consider off limits is getting caught. There are plenty of assassinations, torturings, etc that have been attributed to spy agencies. See also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Northwoods https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Northwoods > The proposals called for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) or other U.S. government operatives to both stage and actually commit acts of terrorism against American military and civilian targets,[2] blaming them on the Cuban government, and using it to justify a war against Cuba. The possibilities detailed in the document included the possible assassination of Cuban immigrants, sinking boats of Cuban refugees on the high seas,[2] hijacking planes to be shot down or given the appearance of being shot down,[2] blowing up a U.S. ship, and orchestrating violent terrorism in U.S. cities.[3] The proposals were rejected by President John F. Kennedy.[4][5][6]