Amid rising tensions in Minnesota, federal authorities say they are closing in on those behind the scenes of recent protests targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to FBI Director Kash Patel, more arrests are imminent as investigators dig deeper into what they believe is organized financial backing behind the demonstrations — developments that underscore Patel States FBI Uncovered Organizations Financing Protests in Minnesota.
Speaking during an interview with podcaster Benny Johnson on Monday, Patel revealed that the FBI has made significant headway in identifying groups and individuals allegedly bankrolling protests in Minneapolis. These demonstrations erupted as federal agents carried out enforcement operations and followed two deadly shootings involving protesters earlier this month.
“This isn’t happening organically,” Patel said, emphasizing that investigators have traced funding streams connected to the unrest. “We’ve made substantial progress and have identified organizations and people responsible for financing these activities.”
Arrests, Threats, and Stolen Information
Patel also detailed a series of arrests tied to a break-in involving a federal vehicle in Minneapolis. Four suspects were taken into custody earlier this month, with another arrest made on Sunday. Inside the vehicle, agents recovered FBI-issued firearms along with sensitive personal data belonging to law enforcement personnel.
“That information was being used to issue death threats against FBI agents and their families,” Patel said, adding that additional arrests related to the incident are expected. “We’re not done.”
Last week, the FBI announced a reward of up to $100,000 for tips leading to the arrest of those accused of stealing government property from the vehicle, signaling how seriously authorities are treating the breach.
Fatal Encounters Spark National Debate
The protests intensified following the death of Alex Pretti, who was shot by Border Patrol officers after allegedly approaching them with a 9 mm semiautomatic handgun. While officials did not confirm whether the weapon was brandished, video footage circulating online appears to show Pretti holding an object as agents attempted to restrain him.
Pretti’s family disputes the official account, stating that he was holding a phone, not a firearm. Senator Bernie Sanders shared the family’s statement, saying Pretti’s right hand held a phone while his left hand was raised.
Earlier in January, another fatal incident fueled outrage. Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis after her vehicle struck the officer, according to federal authorities. The officer was hospitalized with internal bleeding, and the Trump administration has since defended the agent, citing an immediate threat to his life.
Political Fallout and Funding Showdown
The shootings have ignited fierce political backlash. Democratic leaders at both the local and national levels have condemned the incidents, calling them unjustified. Some lawmakers are now threatening to block federal funding ahead of a January 30 deadline if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, remains funded without reforms.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats pushed for “common sense” changes to the DHS spending bill but were rebuffed. “Because of Republicans’ refusal to stand up to President Trump, the DHS bill is woefully inadequate to rein in the abuses of ICE,” Schumer said, pledging to vote against the measure.
Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton also weighed in, criticizing the Minneapolis operation and the circumstances surrounding Pretti’s death. Obama described the shooting as evidence that “many of our core values” are under increasing strain.
President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said he spoke with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, confirming plans to coordinate federal enforcement efforts. Walz later acknowledged the conversation, even as tensions between state and federal authorities continue to rise.
As investigations unfold and arrests continue, the situation in Minnesota remains volatile — with federal officials insisting the unrest is being fueled from behind the scenes, and critics warning that the response itself may further inflame public outrage.
