Encrypted Signal chats used by hatemongers involved in blocking immigration enforcement are under increased scrutiny following reports indicating they played a role in mobilizing rioters and tracking federal agents before a deadly shooting.
Recent reporting and social media posts have focused on the role of private Signal groups used by self-described “rapid responders” who oppose Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minneapolis. The encrypted chats were reportedly used to share real-time locations of alleged ICE vehicles, summon additional demonstrators, and coordinate activity in designated zones across the city, per Fox News Digital.
Independent journalist Cam Higby has separately posted screenshots and descriptions of what he said were Signal chats tied to the same network. Those posts, which The Dallas Express could not independently verify, appear to show access to a shared ICE license plate database, references to a “dispatch call,” and multiple group chats organized by neighborhood or response area.
Higby also reported that some participants claimed local police were cooperating with organizers of the Signal groups, an assertion that has not been confirmed by authorities or other independent sources.
🧵🚨 MINNEAPOLIS SIGNAL INFILTRATED
I have infiltrated organizational signal groups all around Minneapolis with the sole intention of tracking down federal agents and impeding/assaulting/and obstructing them.
BUCKLE UP ALL WILL BE REVEALED
Each area of the city has a signal… pic.twitter.com/ATSHlCucWv
— Cam Higby 🇺🇸 (@camhigby) January 24, 2026
The renewed attention comes after the January 24 killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, who was fatally shot during a confrontation involving federal agents and rioters outside a donut shop in Minneapolis. Federal officials have said Pretti was shot by a Border Patrol agent acting in self-defense during an enforcement operation.
Following the shooting, the Signal groups allegedly issued urgent alerts using emojis to summon more people to the scene and to request medics and observers. Within hours, protests spread beyond Minneapolis, with socialist and activist organizations amplifying calls nationwide, Fox News Digital reported.
Federal officials have argued that local officials contributed to a volatile situation.
Vice President JD Vance posted on X on January 24:
This level of engineered chaos is unique to Minneapolis. It is the direct consequence of far left agitators, working with local authorities.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) January 25, 2026
Neither the Minneapolis Police Department nor federal agencies have publicly confirmed any cooperation with Signal chat organizers. A request for comment from The Dallas Express to the Minneapolis Police Department was not immediately returned.
