The FBI spied on a Signal group chat of immigration activists, records reveal
2 days ago
- #immigrants' rights
- #FBI surveillance
- #civil liberties
- FBI spied on a private Signal group chat of immigrants' rights activists organizing 'courtwatch' efforts in NYC.
- The FBI report characterized court watchers as 'anarchist violent extremist actors' without providing evidence.
- Activists monitor immigration courts to document due process violations, especially as ICE detains immigrants during routine hearings.
- The FBI accessed Signal messages, possibly via a participant or unlocked device, citing a 'sensitive source with excellent access.'
- The report warned of 'extremist actors targeting law enforcement,' but court watch efforts have been nonviolent.
- NYC Comptroller Brad Lander condemned the FBI's surveillance, comparing it to J. Edgar Hoover's tactics.
- Civil liberties advocates warn of the FBI criminalizing free speech and lawful activities like court observation.
- The FBI's actions mirror past surveillance of civil rights activists and Muslim communities post-9/11.
- Lack of oversight raises concerns about abuses of power and chilling effects on activism.