A hidden network of communication has been revealed, exposing connections between prominent Democratic figures and a group actively working against federal law enforcement in Minneapolis. A leaked Signal group chat, dubbed “MN ICE Watch,” allegedly served as a central hub for coordinating actions against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The private chat, infiltrated by independent journalist Cam Higby, appears to have been used to organize protests, disseminate instructions, and even share sensitive information about ICE personnel. Higby documented his findings in a detailed thread, including screenshots and videos that paint a picture of a highly organized operation.
Among those identified as administrators within the group is Amanda Noelle Koehler, a former campaign strategist for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Operating under the code name “HAH,” Koehler allegedly played a key role in mobilizing volunteers to monitor and disrupt ICE’s “Operation Metro Surge,” a crackdown on immigration violations.
The leaked communications reveal a sophisticated system for tracking ICE activity. Members actively shared real-time information on agent locations and tactics, utilizing a dedicated “dispatch” function to alert protesters. This constant surveillance aimed to impede ICE operations throughout the city.
Beyond simply observing, the group maintained a database of license plates associated with ICE vehicles. Individuals could submit plates for checking, creating a network to identify and potentially confront federal agents. This database was a core component of their ongoing efforts.
Higby’s investigation uncovered a tiered structure within the group, assigning specific “roles” to participants. “Mobile patrols” actively searched for vehicles of interest, while “plate checkers” verified information against the database. These roles required specific, though largely undefined, “training.”
The level of organization is striking. Screenshots show a constant stream of activity, with members “clocking in” and “clocking out” of shifts, mirroring a professional operation. The group even referenced a central “home base,” though its location remains unknown.
The infiltration wasn’t without risk. Higby himself became a target of suspicion, with group members actively tailing his vehicle and falsely identifying him as an ICE agent. Recordings captured the moment protesters attempted to follow and obstruct him.
Local politician David Snyder was also identified as an administrator, prompting him to delete his LinkedIn account following the leak. Minnesota State Senate candidate Anita Smithson was listed as a “dispatcher,” further illustrating the group’s reach into the political landscape.
The leaked chat provides a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a protest movement and the complex relationships between activists and elected officials. It raises serious questions about the extent of coordination and the potential for obstruction of federal law enforcement.
