FBI investigates encrypted Signal networks tracking ICE agents in Minnesota, Kash Patel confirms

WASHINGTON, DC: The FBI has opened a formal investigation into encrypted Signal chat groups allegedly used by anti-ICE activists to obstruct federal immigration operations in Minnesota.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on Monday, January 26, that the bureau was actively leading the probe, saying federal investigators were “spearheading” efforts to determine whether the digital networks crossed the line from protest into criminal conduct.

Appearing on Fox News with Sean Hannity, Patel said that the bureau was gathering tips from the public and moving through standard legal channels to assess potential violations. The focus, he said, was on whether the groups coordinated activity that endangered officers or interfered with lawful enforcement.

FBI spearheading probe into chat groups

“The Signal chat group is information we collect from the public,” Patel told Hannity. He outlined the process used in such cases: “On this type of specific investigation, what you do, generally speaking, is you send out subpoenas, you collect data, you put people in grand juries.”

The objective, Patel said, was to determine “who broke the law and if anyone broke the law and incited violence.” He underscored the bureau’s role, adding, “This Signal chat is something that we, the FBI, are looking at and spearheading.”

Activists used encrypted app to track federal agents

The investigation followed reporting that activists were using the encrypted messaging platform to track the movements of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis.

According to details emerging from the inquiry, the effort was structured. Some participants reportedly worked “shifts” dedicated to scanning neighborhoods for vehicles associated with federal law enforcement.

Others acted as “plate checkers,” verifying and updating shared information to monitor agent locations in near real time.

Journalist Cam Higby details group infiltration

Patel’s comments came days after independent journalist Cam Higby said that he infiltrated one of the groups. Higby reported that the Signal thread frequently approached its 1,000-user limit, with dozens of participants joining live group calls to coordinate activity.

He described a system in which “commuters” were dispatched to follow identified vehicles and confront their presence. Higby also noted the limits of the operation, reporting that some vehicles flagged by users were later found not to belong to law enforcement.

FBI clarifies stance on free speech and protest

Patel emphasized that the FBI was not targeting lawful dissent. “We are not going after people and infringing on their freedom of speech to peacefully protest,” he said. “We are definitely not going after people and their Second Amendment right to bear arms.”

He drew a firm boundary around conduct that threatens safety. “Only if you incite violence and/or threaten to do harm to law enforcement officials and break the law in any other way does it become an investigatory matter,” Patel said.