Encrypted App Sparks ICE Chaos

Minneapolis activists utilize encrypted Signal app to target ICE agents, sparking a nationwide debate on law enforcement and privacy.

Story Overview

Conservative journalist uncovers anti-ICE Signal groups in Minneapolis.
Activists allegedly track and doxx ICE agents using encrypted chats.
Federal response includes over 3,000 agents amid rising tensions.
Debate intensifies over privacy, law enforcement, and community safety.

Infiltration of Anti-ICE Signal Groups

Conservative journalist Cam Higby claims to have infiltrated Signal messaging groups in Minneapolis, which are reportedly being used by activists to track, doxx, and impede ICE and Border Patrol agents. These activities are said to be part of a coordinated effort to obstruct federal immigration enforcement operations in the city. Higby shared screen recordings of group members and their roles, such as mobile patrols and dispatch, to evade detection.

The infiltration follows heightened federal immigration operations in Minneapolis since December 2025. Activists have been using Signal for daily chat rotations, creating new chats each day and deleting them to avoid leaving digital records. This development comes amid protests following shootings by federal agents, highlighting a disturbing pattern of violence and resistance.

Escalating Tensions in Minneapolis

Minneapolis has become a focal point for anti-ICE resistance, with the local activist community organizing rapid-response trainings and patrols to monitor ICE activities. Over 3,000 federal agents have been deployed in the city, and tensions have heightened following recent shootings, including the deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents. Protesters and activists have been utilizing Signal to coordinate their activities, leading to confrontations with law enforcement.

These tensions are exacerbated by aggressive ICE tactics in the city’s south side, where immigrant businesses have shuttered due to fears of raids. Local leaders like Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz have spoken out against the federal presence, with rhetoric that some claim contributes to the unrest. Meanwhile, federal officials, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, argue that such rhetoric has led to a significant rise in assaults on agents.

Implications for Privacy and Law Enforcement

The use of encrypted apps like Signal by activists raises questions about privacy and the balance between law enforcement and community safety. While some view the actions of activists as a form of community protection, others see them as an obstruction of law enforcement duties. The situation in Minneapolis reflects broader national debates on immigration, privacy, and the role of technology in activism.

The infiltration of these Signal groups has sparked discussions on the legality and ethics of using technology to monitor and disrupt federal operations. As the standoff continues, the impact on immigrant communities, local businesses, and law enforcement remains a critical area of concern. The unfolding events in Minneapolis could set a precedent for similar resistance efforts across the country, influencing how cities and federal agencies navigate these complex challenges.