Unmasking SignalGate

Rex Ballard
1 day ago
4 min read

The Minnesota Anti-ICE Insurgency Exposed

In early 2026, the city of Minneapolis became the epicenter of a heated clash between federal immigration enforcement and local activists, dubbed by some as the "Minnesota Insurgency." This story revolves around organized networks using encrypted Signal chat groups to track and disrupt U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Independent journalist Cam Higby, through daring undercover work, infiltrated these groups and revealed alleged ties to high-ranking state officials, including Governor Tim Walz. What began as protests against mass deportations has escalated into federal investigations, subpoenas, and calls for invoking the Insurrection Act. This article draws from Higby's firsthand accounts, leaked documents, and ongoing developments to provide a comprehensive overview.

The Spark: Rising Tensions Over ICE Operations

The conflict ignited amid President Trump's renewed push for deportations, with ICE agents ramping up activities in Minnesota—a state with a significant immigrant population. Activists, framing their efforts as community defense, mobilized rapidly to counter these operations. Reports describe crowds surrounding ICE vehicles, blocking hotel entrances where agents were housed, and even pursuing federal personnel on the streets.

Higby, who embedded himself in the protests, documented chaotic scenes of protesters banging on windows and chanting against ICE, escalating in some cases to physical confrontations. One notable incident involved a U.S. citizen, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, who was fatally shot by federal agents during a raid. This sparked widespread outrage and further protests at the federal building in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis Protest - image r/minnesota reddit page

Cam Higby's Undercover Infiltration

At the heart of the exposé is Cam Higby, a self-funded journalist known for infiltrating activist networks. Posing as a sympathetic supporter, Higby joined public signups on sites like defend612.com, where individuals provide personal details to be vetted for "rapid response ICE hunting groups." Once approved, he gained access to multiple Signal chats that operate 24/7 and are recreated daily to avoid detection.

Higby's January 24, 2026, X thread, titled "MINNEAPOLIS SIGNAL INFILTRATED," laid bare the operations. These groups, segmented by city areas (e.g., "South Side Minneapolis Rapid Response" and "Wolfpack"), assign roles like "dispatchers" for coordination, "observers" to spot ICE vehicles, and "chasers" to follow and impede them. Members share real-time data: vehicle plates, geolocations, and calls for backup. Higby released screenshots, audio dispatches, and a leaked training manual outlining "patrol zones" and tactics to disrupt deportations.

He highlighted risks, noting how these networks could lead to deadly encounters with civilians acting as "proxy warriors." Higby also alleged local police complicity, citing chat messages about Minneapolis PD potentially intervening against ICE. His work disrupted the groups temporarily—as they "nuked" their exposed chats and reestablished them at reduced capacity—yet he continued dropping member lists and fresh evidence.

Higby's reporting extends beyond Minnesota. He noted similar incitements in Washington state. Amid personal threats, he affirmed his commitment by stating that he's "not suicidal" and by recommending federal action.

Inside the Signal Chats: Organization and Tactics

The Signal app, prized for its end-to-end encryption, became the backbone of this network. Higby's leaks reveal a sophisticated setup: Up to 1,000 members per group, with daily re-creations to dodge infiltrators. Examples from his threads include an observer spotting a suspected agent while walking their dog, prompting a dispatch call for reinforcements. Plate checks, intersection alerts, and pursuits were routine, often framed as protecting communities from "raids."

A leaked handbook detailed joining processes and safety protocols, emphasizing anonymity. Higby contrasted this with events like January 6, arguing the coordination here was "FAR more" organized, potentially warranting RICO charges for racketeering.

Ties to the Governor's Office and Political Figures

The scandal deepened with alleged links to state leadership. Higby identified admins including Walz's campaign strategist, Amanda Koehler, and Assistant Attorney General, Anne Kealing, who reportedly offered her state email for coordination. Speculation surrounds Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan (nicknamed "Flan" in chats), and Higby called for her to confirm or deny involvement but had not received a response from her office. Posts within the Signal chat group indicate she may be a principal organizer of the anti-ICE movement.

Governor Tim Walz himself faced scrutiny for public statements criticizing ICE and urging federal withdrawal from sensitive areas like schools. Higby and others accused him of inciting interference. Emails were also uncovered that showed city employees aiding the ICE tracking efforts. Foreign donors and politicians were implicated in funding, raising election interference concerns. Initially defiant, Walz reportedly sought a "truce" with Trump amid revelations, dismissing the probe as a "partisan distraction."

Other figures include Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, and Attorney General Keith Ellison, all subpoenaed. Ties extend to Rep. Ilhan Omar, under separate fraud investigations, amid ICE Director Tom Homan's visits to the state.

The DOJ's Response: Investigations and Subpoenas

By January 26, 2026, the Department of Justice launched a criminal probe into Walz and other officials for obstructing federal operations. Subpoenas demanded testimony and documents from at least six figures, focusing on conspiracy and incitement.

Deputy AG Todd Blanche warned that encouraging 911 calls on ICE and threatening agents border on being federal crimes. Kash Patel confirmed an investigation into "SignalGate," with Higby's evidence—member rosters, manuals, and audio—central to the case. Potential charges include RICO if networks prove organized crime.

Calls for President Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act surged, citing dangers to agents and public safety. The probe could expand nationally if similar groups emerge elsewhere.

Perspectives: Supporters, Critics, and Broader Implications

Right-leaning voices hail Higby's work as exposing "domestic terrorism," praising it as evidence of a leftist insurrection. Critics, including mainstream outlets, decry it as biased surveillance of activists, noting Higby's conservative leanings.

The story underscores immigration debates, with risks of escalation. Higby's ongoing X updates (@camhigby) promise more revelations.