Federal authorities have launched an inquiry into claims of organized Signal group conversations by anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement activists in Minneapolis. These groups allegedly coordinated efforts to monitor, identify, and obstruct federal law enforcement officers, FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed on Monday.

In a conversation with conservative commentator Benny Johnson, Patel revealed that the investigation commenced after independent journalist Cam Higby shared a viral thread on X. The thread alleged that the encrypted messaging app was being used to disseminate information about the movements of federal agents.

“We swiftly initiated this investigation because such coordination through Signal chats, which might involve individuals not only in Minnesota but possibly nationwide, could lead to breaches of federal statutes,” Patel stated. “If any laws are violated, we are prepared to make arrests.”

He emphasized, “Creating situations that unlawfully trap and endanger law enforcement is unacceptable.”

FBI Director Kash Patel is seen observing as President Donald Trump addresses the media following U.S. military actions in Venezuela at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3, 2026. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

Higby said he “infiltrated” multiple Signal groups over several days, documenting what he described as structured efforts to identify suspected federal vehicles, relay license plate information, and dispatch members to locations where ICE agents were believed to be operating.

The investigation has drawn concern from free speech advocates, who say coordination around law enforcement activity is not inherently illegal and must be carefully distinguished from criminal behavior.

“There are legitimate reasons to share such information, including enabling members of the public to observe and document law enforcement activity and to hold officials accountable for misconduct,” Aaron Terr, the director of public advocacy at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, told NBC News.

A person holds an anti-ICE sign as demonstrators rally during a general strike protesting U.S. President Donald Trump’s deployment of immigration enforcement officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 23, 2026. (Tim Evans/Reuters)

“Given this administration’s poor track record of distinguishing protected speech from criminal conduct, any investigation like this deserves very close scrutiny,” he said.

Patel told Johnson that while peaceful protest and lawful firearm ownership are constitutionally protected, coordinated efforts that place law enforcement officers in danger or violate federal statutes are not.

A protester, left, and a federal law enforcement officer argue outside of a house on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn.  (Yuki Iwamura/AP)

The FBI director said the bureau is examining whether the alleged coordination crossed legal thresholds, including the doxxing of agents or threats against officers and their families.

“As I’ve said from day one, we will protect law enforcement. We will make sure they have the security and safety to do their jobs,” he said. “We’ll also ensure that civilians have the ultimate protection of the First and Second Amendment.”