Federal authorities are looking into an alleged coordinated chat group on Signal, reportedly used by anti-ICE activists in Minneapolis to track and disrupt federal law enforcement operations, according to FBI Director Kash Patel on Monday.
In a conversation with conservative commentator Benny Johnson, Patel revealed that the investigation was prompted by journalist Cam Higbie, who shared a viral post claiming the use of encrypted apps to communicate about law enforcement movements.
“We immediately kicked off an investigation because these Signal chats are being organized not just in Minnesota, but potentially across the nation. If they lead to any federal law violations, we will make arrests,” Patel stated. He emphasized that they can’t imagine a situation that would unlawfully endanger officers.
Higbie mentioned he had “infiltrated” several Signal groups, documenting efforts to identify federal vehicles and share license plate information to track ICE agents’ activities.
The investigation has stirred concerns among free speech advocates, who argue that coordination related to law enforcement activities isn’t inherently illegal and should be distinguished from criminal actions. Aaron Tell, from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, suggested, “There are valid reasons for sharing such information, including to hold officials accountable.” He added that the current administration has struggled to differentiate between protected speech and illegal activity, indicating investigations like this require careful examination.
Patel noted that while peaceful protests and lawful firearm ownership are protected by the Constitution, organized actions that threaten law enforcement or break federal law cannot be tolerated. He is assessing whether the alleged activity includes sharing agents’ personal information and threats against officers and their families.
“From the start, we’ve been clear: protecting law enforcement is a priority. We want to ensure they feel secure in their roles,” he concluded. “And civilians must, of course, be protected by their rights under the First and Second Amendments.”
