During a live broadcast on Monday, independent journalist Cam Higby revealed his infiltration into a secretive network on the Signal app, reportedly used to track and disrupt operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota. The inadvertent exposure occurred when a network dispatcher contacted Higby, unaware that they were live on air.
Fox News Digital had previously reported the existence of at least one "rapid response" network in Minnesota, allegedly tracking ICE vehicles, disclosing their locations, and coordinating groups to confront federal agents. Such confrontations have, on occasion, escalated to physical violence and assaults on law enforcement personnel.
Higby's broadcast, which documented the infiltration, was later removed from YouTube, with the platform citing copyright issues. The incident becomes particularly significant given recent fatal outcomes associated with these rapid response networks’ activities. Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good tragically lost their lives during incidents that unfolded when these groups mobilized against ICE operations focusing on illegal immigrants with criminal records.
Further investigation by Higby has been ongoing, with materials and purported operational manuals of the networks shared on his social media feed. These documents appear to outline strategies for impeding ICE and creating disruptive "flashpoints."
The breach of the network's communications prompted a flurry of concern among members about the failure of operational security (OPSEC). Higby confirmed the breach to the group, leading to varied reactions from shock to hostile verbal attacks against him. The dispatcher attempted to regain control after the security compromise became evident.
The United States Army defines OPSEC as a process that helps identify critical information necessary for mission success and develops measures to prevent adversaries from obtaining this information. The revelation by Higby caused alarm among network members that their techniques and coordination could be compromised.
These networks have been implicated in multiple violent incidents recently. A reporter from the Daily Caller was assaulted by anti-ICE rioters in Minneapolis, and journalists Higby and Nick Sortor survived an attack by a mob in January.
The unfolding situation raises questions about the legality and morality of such networks, the safety of law enforcement and journalists, and the broader implications for the community's relationship with ICE.
