WASHINGTON, D.C. – FBI Director Kash Patel said Monday the bureau has opened major investigations into what he described as a coordinated left-wing network in Minnesota. He alleges the group used encrypted communications to interfere with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and threaten federal agents.
Patel made the comments during an interview with conservative commentator Benny Johnson. He said the probes began after reports from citizen journalist Cam Higby, who claims he gained access to private Signal group chats used by activists in Minneapolis.
According to those reports, the chats show organized efforts to track ICE agents, share personal details about them, and coordinate resistance to deportations aimed at criminal illegal aliens.
“We’re investigating,” Patel said. “As soon as Higby put that post out, I opened an investigation on it. If that leads to a break in the federal statute or a violation of some law, then we are going to arrest people. They should be worried. If they broke the law, you should be worried.”
Patel’s announcement comes as Minnesota faces growing tension around ICE activity. Protests tied to immigration raids have sometimes turned violent. Reports say activist networks, including some linked to Antifa-aligned groups, have used advanced methods.
Shift in FBI priorities
Those tactics reportedly include license plate readers to spot federal vehicles, databases used to dox agents, and live coordination meant to disrupt enforcement. Patel also suggested the effort may stretch beyond Minnesota and involve people in other states.
The move highlights a shift in FBI priorities since Patel was confirmed as director earlier in 2025. Patel, appointed by President Donald Trump, has put more attention on domestic threats he says are tied to left-wing ideology.
That includes efforts to treat certain anarchist and anti-fascist groups as domestic terrorism concerns. Critics, including current and former FBI staff cited in recent New York Times reporting, say the bureau under Patel has moved resources away from long-standing threats to chase cases they view as political.
Conservative outlets have labeled the Minnesota case “Signal-Gate.” The story gained traction after citizen journalism described what it called a “low-level insurgency” against federal deportation actions.
Higby’s reporting, boosted by outlets such as ZeroHedge and Breitbart, described Signal chats where participants allegedly posted real-time updates on ICE activity.
Some of the chats reportedly included high-level political figures in Minnesota’s Democratic infrastructure, raising questions about a possible conspiracy to injure federal officers or obstruct justice.
Patel credited outside reporting for helping spark the investigation. He said the FBI is also looking for tips and public information tied to the reported activity. “We immediately opened up that investigation because that sort of Signal chat being coordinated with individuals, not just locally in Minnesota, but maybe even around the country,” he said.
Vandalizing FBI vehicles
The timing matches a wider Trump administration push to respond to resistance against immigration enforcement. Recent arrests in Minneapolis include suspects accused of vandalizing FBI vehicles during anti-ICE unrest. One suspect, described as a Latin Kings gang member, allegedly stole government property.
Patel has warned that threats against law enforcement and attacks on federal equipment will bring serious consequences.
Minnesota officials have not directly answered Patel’s remarks. The state has been a flashpoint in disputes over federal immigration policy. Governor Tim Walz and other Democrats have criticized aggressive ICE operations in the past. Some local leaders have framed resistance as a form of community protection, not criminal conduct.
Legal experts say peaceful protest and encrypted messaging are protected under the First Amendment. Still, actions that cross into threats, conspiracy, or obstruction can trigger federal charges. Laws that could apply include 18 U.S.C. § 115 (threats against federal officials), § 372 (conspiracy to impede officers), and other civil rights or obstruction statutes.
Patel’s comments drew strong reactions across party lines. Supporters say the FBI must act to protect federal agents and enforce the law. Critics argue the bureau is being used against political opponents. They point to Patel’s past support for conspiracy claims and his stated goal of reshaping the FBI by going after what he calls “deep state” actors.
As the investigations move forward, Patel’s remarks suggest more arrests could follow if agents find evidence of crimes in the Signal chats or related actions. For now, Minnesota activist networks remain under intense federal scrutiny as the FBI reviews claims of coordinated interference with ICE operations.
