The FBI has officially launched an investigation into encrypted Signal group chats used by Minnesota residents, particularly in the Twin Cities, to monitor and warn about federal immigration enforcement activities. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the probe on January 26, 2026, citing potential violations of federal law, amid claims of obstruction of law enforcement, doxxing of agents, and links to organized protests and riots in the state.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the investigation during public statements, citing reports from citizen journalist Cam Higby, who claimed to have infiltrated the Signal groups, and right-wing media figures participating in the chats. Patel said, "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, 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."

The chats, often described as neighborhood watch-style networks, are used by activists, parents, and volunteers to share real-time information about ICE agents' movements, including vehicle sightings, license plates, and locations near schools or communities. Participants defend them as protective measures for non-citizen families in a state with a large immigrant population and over 3,000 federal immigration agents reportedly deployed.

Critics, allege the groups constitute a "systematic organization" enabling obstruction of justice, harassment of federal officers, and coordination of violent protests. Higby's leaks, released around January 24–25, reportedly revealed structured elements like dispatchers, handbooks, training manuals, webinars, and area-specific channels, prompting the FBI response. Some reports suggest possible involvement by local officials or city council members, though these remain unconfirmed for now.

The probe comes amid heightened tensions following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis on January 25, 2026, which sparked protests. Patel emphasized that the investigation will determine what constitutes legal versus illegal activity, including potential conspiracy to interfere with federal officers or broader violations.