Federal authorities were investigating alleged coordinated Signal group chats used by anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activists in Minneapolis to track, identify, and impede federal law enforcement officers, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. The investigation followed a viral thread on X by independent journalist Cam Higby, which highlighted the use of the encrypted messaging app. The probe coincided with heightened tensions surrounding ICE activity in Minnesota, including a fatal shooting involving federal agents and protests against immigration enforcement.
The investigation into the Signal group chats occurred amidst broader controversy surrounding ICE operations in Minnesota. According to the New York Times, federal investigators were reviewing body camera footage related to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, in Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the footage could shed light on the incident, which occurred during what the NY Times described as President Trump's immigration crackdown.
The situation in Minnesota also sparked debate among conservative immigration experts, with some questioning whether President Trump was "backing down" on immigration enforcement in the state. This followed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's statement that the president told him he was considering reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota, according to Fox News. Fox News also reported that the top Border Patrol official leading deportation operations, including those in Minnesota, would be reassigned to his former role as chief of Border Patrol in the El Centro, California sector.
Meanwhile, in Maine, ICE conducted an enforcement surge that resulted in the arrest of more than 200 people over five days, Fox News reported. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that the arrests were made by "the brave men and women of ICE." However, the operation drew criticism from Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, who called on President Trump to remove agents from the state, according to Fox News.
The Federal Reserve was expected to pause interest rate cuts after three reductions in the final months of 2025, the New York Times reported.
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