The FBI says it has uncovered organized funding behind ongoing anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis, according to Director Kash Patel. Investigators have linked the demonstrations to specific groups and individuals, calling the unrest non-organic. The situation has escalated after two fatal encounters involving federal agents, prompting political backlash and a looming funding showdown in Congress.
FBI Director Kash Patel says protests against ICE in Minneapolis are being funded by identified groups, not grassroots actors. Arrests have been made, more are coming, and the issue is fueling a heated DHS funding fight in Washington. #FollowTheMoney #Protest #ICE #FBI pic.twitter.com/I8pV3zJGki
— Matthew Brady (@mattbrady775) January 28, 2026
- Kash Patel, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), confirmed investigations into groups organizing and funding protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis.
- Patel said the protests are “not happening organically” and that investigators have identified specific groups and individuals providing funding.
- Five arrests have been made related to a break-in of a federal vehicle, where stolen firearms and sensitive law enforcement personal data were recovered.
- The FBI is offering up to $100,000 for information tied to stolen government property.
- Protests intensified after the fatal shooting of protester Alex Pretti by Border Patrol and the earlier death of Renee Good during an ICE-related incident.
- Democrats, including Chuck Schumer, criticized ICE and threatened to block DHS funding ahead of the Jan. 30 deadline.
- President Donald Trump said he spoke with Tim Walz about coordinating federal enforcement efforts.
