A recent revelation from a leaked Signal group chat lays bare the connections between Minnesota officials and anti-ICE activists. The group, named “MN ICE Watch,” has come under scrutiny for allegedly coordinating protests, issuing commands, and even doxing federal ICE agents. This revelation follows the infiltration of the group by independent journalist Cam Higby, who aimed to expose the inner workings of the network.
Documents shared by Higby indicate that those involved in the chat are far more than simple protesters. They are organized and deliberate in their tactics. “I have infiltrated organizational signal groups all around Minneapolis with the sole intention of tracking down federal agents and impeding…assaulting…and obstructing them,” he stated on social media. This admission highlights a troubling willingness among some to coordinate efforts directly targeting law enforcement.
Among the group’s key administrators is Amanda Noelle Koehler. A former campaign strategist for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, she allegedly believes that property damage is not violence and has been involved in mobilizing volunteers against federal agents as part of “Operation Metro Surge.” Cameras were on her constantly, as the public began to take notice of her actions. The information around her role raises questions about the involvement of elected officials in fostering an environment where such activities can flourish.
Other notable individuals in the chat include local politician David Snyder and Minnesota State Senate candidate Anita Smithson, with Snyder promptly deleting his LinkedIn account following the leak. This action hints at an attempt to distance himself from potential backlash that could follow exposure. The presence of politicians, like Snyder and Smithson, alongside individuals like Koehler, draws attention to the intertwining of governance and radical protest.
Screenshots shared from the chat reveal discussions on sharing sensitive information about ICE operations, including agents’ locations and tactics. Members engaged in real-time planning to disrupt ICE’s activities, with messaging indicating that ICE operations were being monitored overnight. The chat appears to operate 24/7, coordinating a network of observers with a strong focus on tracking and reporting.
Higby detailed the operations within the group. Participants referred to specific roles with emojis next to their names, indicating their duties such as mobile patrols and plate checkers. The existence of an active database of license plates for ICE vehicles underlines a new level of preparation among protesters. Such detailed organization is striking, signaling a shift from spontaneous protests to methodical activism that tracks law enforcement.
Given the chat’s intricate organizational structure, questions arise about who finances such operations. There were references to required training for shift positions, indicating a level of preparation and planning that seems far beyond casual protests. The lack of clarity surrounding the training also raises concerns about the nature of these activities and the motives of those behind them.
In a particularly concerning moment, Higby recorded protesters discussing him as they believed he was an ICE agent, showcasing the lengths to which group members are willing to go. Their eagerness to label anyone as an enemy reveals the hostile environment that has become commonplace in their operations.
Ultimately, the infiltration of “MN ICE Watch” highlights not just the tactics of radical activists but also the broader issue of political complicity in such movements. With the involvement of sitting politicians and strategists within these activist efforts, the lines between governance and protest grow increasingly blurred. This situation calls for more scrutiny into the relationships between public officials and groups that challenge the fundamental operations of law enforcement. As these tactics evolve, so too must the response to ensure that the integrity of law enforcement is upheld.
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