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A coordinated network of far-left groups mobilized rapidly following the fatal shooting of an anti-ICE activist by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis on Saturday, according to a Fox News Digital investigation. The incident has revealed the sophisticated organizational structure behind what officials describe as “engineered chaos” in the city.
Alex Pretti, 37, was killed during a confrontation with Customs and Border Patrol agents outside Glam Doll Donuts on Nicollet Avenue, where federal officers were conducting an operation to arrest an undocumented immigrant. Evidence suggests anti-ICE “rapid responders” were already tracking the agents’ movements before the shooting occurred.
The investigation uncovered an extensive system of encrypted communications, real-time alerts, and a sophisticated database used to monitor federal immigration enforcement activities. Messages obtained through Signal show activists were actively following and documenting federal agents’ movements around Nicollet Avenue prior to the shooting.
“This level of engineered chaos is unique to Minneapolis. It is the direct consequence of far left agitators, working with local authorities,” Vice President JD Vance wrote on social media following the incident.
The database, titled “MN ICE Plates,” contains over 4,600 records of license plate numbers categorized as “Highly Suspected ICE,” “Confirmed ICE,” or “Suspected ICE.” Activists use this information to track and intercept immigration enforcement operations across the city. The system includes timestamps and locations of alleged ICE vehicles, with many entries labeled as belonging to “Abductors.”
ICE Assistant Director Marcos Charles stated on Sunday that the violence was “not a coincidence,” pointing to a pattern of organized resistance. CBP Commander-at-Large Greg Bovino confirmed that Pretti was present at the scene “several minutes” before the fatal encounter.
Within minutes of the shooting, the activist network erupted with emergency alerts. At 10:18 a.m. ET, a Signal message with a red phone emoji called for “observers urgently requested at glam doll donuts,” stating “an observer has been shot by ice, unknown condition.” Shortly afterward, supplies including masks and water bottles appeared on nearby sidewalks for protesters.
The investigation identified several socialist and communist organizations as key mobilizers behind the protests. BreakThrough News, a nonprofit affiliated with the People’s Forum, rapidly shared video footage of the shooting that garnered 4.1 million views within 24 hours. By early afternoon, the Party for Socialism and Liberation had published graphics calling to “EXPAND THE GENERAL STRIKE!” while the People’s Forum organized emergency protests in New York City.
Other groups involved included the Democratic Socialists of America, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee, and various Black Lives Matter chapters. Political activist Linda Sarsour addressed protesters in New York, shouting, “We will bring this country to a halt!”
Minneapolis has become an epicenter of anti-immigration enforcement activism. A guide distributed among “rapid responders” outlines roles using emoji codes, including mobile patrols, foot patrols, dispatchers, license plate checkers, and medics. Despite a disclaimer stating the information is “for informational purposes only,” the coordinated efforts have created significant challenges for federal law enforcement.
As protests continued through the weekend, socialist organizations maintained their presence on Nicollet Avenue, with real-time tracking of federal vehicles continuing across the city.
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14 Comments
This is a complex issue with valid concerns on multiple sides. While the activists’ motivations may be understandable, the loss of life is tragic. I hope the investigation can uncover the facts objectively and lead to constructive dialogue, not further escalation.
You raise a fair point. Reasonable people can disagree on immigration enforcement, but resorting to ‘engineered chaos’ puts lives at risk. A measured, fact-based approach is needed to address these sensitive issues.
This is a sensitive and complex situation with valid concerns on multiple sides. While the activists’ motivations around immigration enforcement may be understandable, the alleged ‘engineered chaos’ and interference with federal operations is highly problematic. I hope the investigation can uncover the full truth and lead to constructive dialogue, not further escalation.
Absolutely. Maintaining public safety should be the top priority, even as we address the underlying policy debates. The investigation will hopefully provide more clarity on the specific actions taken by the activist groups and whether they crossed any legal lines.
The alleged ‘engineered chaos’ is troubling, if true. Activists have the right to protest, but interfering with law enforcement operations could endanger public safety. I wonder what specific actions the groups took and whether they crossed legal lines.
Monitoring federal agents’ movements and rapidly responding does seem like an aggressive tactic, even for anti-ICE activists. The investigation will hopefully provide more clarity on the situation.
This is a complex situation with many layers. While the activists’ concerns about immigration enforcement are understandable, the alleged ‘engineered chaos’ and interference with federal operations is troubling. I hope the investigation can uncover the full truth of what happened.
You make a fair point. Activists have a right to protest, but not at the expense of public safety. The investigation will hopefully provide more clarity on the groups’ actions and whether they crossed any legal boundaries.
The rapid mobilization and coordination described here is concerning. If the activists were indeed tracking federal agents’ movements, that seems like a violation of protocol and could have contributed to the tragic outcome. I hope the investigation provides clarity on the sequence of events.
Agreed. Any efforts to interfere with law enforcement operations, even by activist groups, need to be examined closely. Maintaining public safety should be the top priority, while also addressing the underlying policy concerns.
This seems like a complex and volatile situation. I’m curious to understand more about the network of groups involved and their motivations. How did they coordinate their response so quickly, and what are their views on immigration enforcement?
The encrypted communications and real-time monitoring suggest a well-organized effort, though the details are concerning. I hope the investigation can shed more light on the groups’ tactics and goals.
The details around the network of groups and their rapid response are quite alarming. If they were indeed tracking federal agents’ movements, that seems like a dangerous escalation that could have contributed to the tragic outcome. I hope the investigation can shed light on their tactics and motivations.
Agreed. The level of coordination and apparent interference with law enforcement operations is very concerning. While the activists’ views on immigration enforcement may be understandable, their actions need to be carefully scrutinized to ensure public safety.