The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced that it is launching a criminal investigation into group chats used by Minneapolis protesters on the Signal messaging app. The decision to open the inquiry came after a far-right personality, Cam Higby, posted about alleged anti-ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) chats on the platform.
FBI Director Kash Patel revealed the news during an interview on the podcast of another right-wing personality, Benny Johnson. Patel stated, "We're going to be taking a closer look at some of these groups and individuals that are involved in these chats." He did not provide additional details about the nature of the chats or the evidence that led to the investigation.
The Minneapolis protests began in late 2020 following the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed during an arrest by Minneapolis police. The protests continued into 2021 and gained national attention due to their size and intensity. The involvement of far-right influencers and their claims of alleged criminal activity within the protests have been a subject of controversy and debate.
The Signal messaging app has gained popularity among activists and protesters due to its secure end-to-end encryption, making it difficult for authorities to access the content of the messages. According to reports, the FBI has been increasingly interested in investigating the use of the app by activist groups.
The announcement of the FBI investigation has raised concerns among civil liberties groups and activists about potential infringements on freedom of speech and association. They argue that the investigation could be used to target and harass activists and protesters, rather than addressing any actual criminal activity.
It is important to note that an investigation does not necessarily mean that any criminal activity has taken place. The FBI is required to follow due process and gather sufficient evidence before making any arrests or bringing charges against individuals.
Sources:
The Guardian: "FBI opens investigation into Minneapolis activists after far-right Signal claim" (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/27/minneapolis-fbi-signal-investigation-kash-patel)
The Guardian: "What is Signal? The messaging app at the heart of a US security leak" (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/28/what-is-signal-the-messaging-app-at-the-heart-of-a-us-security-leak)