_WHAT’S HAPPENING_
Reporting from independent journalist Cam Higby revealed that encrypted Signal chat groups in Minnesota are coordinating efforts to track, obstruct, and impede Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. But the scandal goes even deeper. Leaked messages reveal that multiple Minnesota elected officials are allegedly serving as administrators and dispatchers in these networks.
The revelations have prompted an FBI investigation into these groups, and the Department of Justice has subpoenaed Governor Tim Walz (D), Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D), and other state leaders.
_THE FACTS_
Higby’s reporting alleges that Minnesota state Rep. Brad Tabke (D) actively coordinates the Scott County ICE Watch Signal chat and personally recruits volunteers for patrol, dispatch, and training shifts.
State Rep. Alex Falconer (D) publicly admitted his involvement, stating he's "helping to lead the community response, rapid response network" and inviting supporters to join Signal groups.
A former campaign adviser to Gov. Walz has been identified as an admin in the leaked Signal chats.
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (D) recently instructed activists to "put your bodies on the line" to protest Trump and ICE operations.
An independent journalist working with Higby believes Flanagan may be an administrator in the chat under the username "Flan Southside," though this is not confirmed.
The Signal groups are organized geographically, with new chats created daily and prior messages deleted to avoid detection and recordkeeping.
Minneapolis City Council member Aurin Chowdhury's name appears as an admin in the chat groups.
Two individuals connected to the Signal network, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, have been killed in confrontations with federal agents.
The FBI has opened an investigation into the anti-ICE Signal chat network following Higby's exposure of the operation.
_INSIGHTS_
The current activity against ICE is not a protest, and it is certainly not lawful if chats are being used to coordinate violence. Large groups of agitators, now going as high as the state government, are involved in a highly-coordinated effort to impede law enforcement to prevent the arrest and deportation of criminal illegal migrants.
To restore order in Minneapolis, President Trump could invoke the Insurrection Act, but has instead chosen to pursue diplomacy with Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Frey. Frey, however, has said he will not comply with ICE. And while the federal government is now investigating these Signal networks, they will continue to operate — and put ICE at risk — unless state authorities step in.
