Federal authorities have begun an inquiry into alleged organized Signal group chats reportedly used by anti-ICE activists in Minneapolis. These groups are suspected of tracking, identifying, and obstructing federal law enforcement officers, as revealed by FBI Director Kash Patel on Monday.
During an interview with conservative commentator Benny Johnson, Patel disclosed that the investigation was prompted after independent journalist Cam Higby shared a viral thread on X. The thread suggested that activists were utilizing the encrypted messaging app to disseminate details about the movements of federal agents.
“We promptly initiated an investigation because such a coordinated use of Signal chat by individuals, potentially extending beyond Minnesota, could lead to federal law violations. If laws are broken, we will proceed with arrests,” Patel stated.
He emphasized, “It is unlawful to create situations that endanger law enforcement personnel.”
FBI Director Kash Patel observes while President Donald Trump addresses the media following U.S. military actions in Venezuela at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2026. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)
Higby claimed that over several days, he “infiltrated” numerous Signal groups, recording what he described as systematic attempts to pinpoint suspected federal vehicles, share license plate data, and deploy members to locations where ICE agents were thought to be active.
The investigation has drawn concern from free speech advocates, who say coordination around law enforcement activity is not inherently illegal and must be carefully distinguished from criminal behavior.
“There are legitimate reasons to share such information, including enabling members of the public to observe and document law enforcement activity and to hold officials accountable for misconduct,” Aaron Terr, the director of public advocacy at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, told NBC News.
A person holds an anti-ICE sign as demonstrators rally during a general strike protesting U.S. President Donald Trump’s deployment of immigration enforcement officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 23, 2026. (Tim Evans/Reuters)
“Given this administration’s poor track record of distinguishing protected speech from criminal conduct, any investigation like this deserves very close scrutiny,” he said.
Patel told Johnson that while peaceful protest and lawful firearm ownership are constitutionally protected, coordinated efforts that place law enforcement officers in danger or violate federal statutes are not.
A protester, left, and a federal law enforcement officer argue outside a house on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn. (Yuki Iwamura/AP)
The FBI director said the bureau is examining whether the alleged coordination crossed legal thresholds, including the doxxing of agents or threats against officers and their families.
“As I’ve said from day one, we will protect law enforcement. We will make sure they have the security and safety to do their jobs,” he said. “We’ll also ensure that civilians have the ultimate protection of the First and Second Amendment.”
