Anti-ICE Signal group panics as journo Cam Higby takes them live: 'Are we having an OPSEC problem?'

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Independent journalist Cam Higby aired an audio dispatch feed allegedly connected to a group using Signal to coordinate efforts aimed at obstructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The broadcast aired during his show and featured what appeared to be live communications from individuals linked to so-called “rapid response” networks. The episode was later removed from YouTube due to copyright claims.

Signal ICE group hit with OPSEC breach live

According to reports, at least one “rapid response” network operating in Minnesota has been monitoring vehicles believed to be used by ICE agents. The network allegedly shares vehicle locations in real time and calls in additional participants to confront agents, situations that have reportedly escalated into physical altercations and assaults, as noted by Fox News.

During Higby’s broadcast, one of the group’s dispatchers contacted him, seemingly unaware they were being aired live. “Hey! Welcome to the Cam Higby show! Would you like to say hello?” Higby greeted the dispatcher, who responded, “You are…” 

“I am Cam Higby and you are live right now on the Cam Higby show!” Higby replied. “Would you like to say hello?” The unexpected reveal prompted concern within the group about operational security. One member quickly asked, “Are we having an OPSEC problem, dispatch?”

Higby responded, “Yep, this is dispatch from the Cam Higby show. You are absolutely having OPSEC problems right now, that is for sure. You are live on the air.”

The US Army defines OPSEC (or operational security) as “a process of identifying critical information for mission success by analyzing how adversaries might learn this critical information and taking the countermeasures required to prevent the adversaries from interpreting or piecing together critical information in time to be useful.”

The broadcast reportedly triggered a wave of startled reactions from members of the network, including at least one individual who directed a vulgar remark toward Higby before the dispatcher eventually regained control of the conversation.

Cam Higby exposes alleged anti-ICE Signal network

Higby has previously claimed to have infiltrated multiple Signal-based groups operating throughout Minneapolis. According to him, the groups were focused on tracking federal immigration agents and interfering with their operations.

The controversy comes amid incidents involving “rapid-response” actions connected to ICE enforcement efforts.

Fatal shootings involving Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good reportedly occurred during confrontations linked to attempts to apprehend illegal immigrants with criminal records. Higby has shared material allegedly sourced from anti-ICE Signal groups on his X account, including what he described as a manual used by one of the networks.

“I have infiltrated organizational signal groups all around Minneapolis with the sole intention of tracking down federal agents and impeding/assaulting/and obstructing them," Higby posted. “Each area of the city has a signal or several signals. Let’s start with a screen recording of all members of the south side group to start.” The independent journalist further elaborated on the alleged roles of members within the network.

“I have been undercover inside the groups for days. You’ll notice emojis next to people’s names," he continued. "Here’s a key for what those emojis mean. The highlighted positions are the most crucial. Most are self-explanatory. Mobile patrols spend their entire 'shift' searching for suspicious vehicles."

"When they find one, they send it to the group so that ‘plate checkers’ can compare with their database and see if it’s a known federal vehicle or if the patrol can make the confirmation so that the database can be updated. Dispatch runs a maxed-out call all day telling protestors where ICE has been spotted and how they can be best impeded,” he explained.

Higby also described how the groups allegedly attempt to avoid scrutiny by regularly deleting communication channels. “A new group chat for each zone is made each day. The chats are dated and deleted at the end of each day. This is likely to avoid detection, record keeping, and consequences," he added.