FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the federal agency
has opened a formal investigation into the so-called “Signal Gate,” a network
of groups on the Signal app used by activists to coordinate actions against
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The case came to light
after journalist Cam Higby managed to infiltrate these chats and publish some
of their content.
According to initial reports, these groups not only
discussed protests and demonstrations, but also allegedly shared sensitive
information about the movements, locations, and vehicles of federal agents,
with the aim of hindering or sabotaging immigration operations. This revelation
raised concerns among federal authorities, who are now seeking to determine
whether these actions crossed the line between political activism and the
commission of federal crimes.
Patel emphasized that peaceful protest is protected by law,
but warned that coordinated actions intended to endanger law enforcement
officers or obstruct law enforcement will not be tolerated. The FBI
investigation will focus on establishing accountability, identifying the
network's organizers, and determining whether crimes such as conspiracy,
obstruction of justice, or endangering public officials were committed.