FBI Surveillance of Immigrant Rights Activists: A Deep Dive

In 2025, the FBI monitored a private Signal group chat used by immigrants' rights activists in New York City, who were organizing "courtwatch" efforts at federal immigration courts. This surveillance was revealed through law enforcement records obtained by the nonprofit Property of the People. The FBI's report, dated August 28, 2025, characterized the court watchers as “anarchist violent extremist actors,” raising concerns about the government's approach to monitoring dissenting voices in the context of immigration enforcement.

The GuardianNonprofit Quarterly

The FBI's surveillance comes amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States. Following an executive order by former President Donald Trump, which allowed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest immigrants at courthouses, activists have increasingly sought to document these proceedings to ensure due process. Reports indicate that ICE has engaged in practices described as "deportation traps," where individuals are arrested after their court hearings.

The Guardian

Brad Lander, New York City’s comptroller and a participant in courtwatching, condemned the FBI's actions, likening them to tactics used by J. Edgar Hoover during the civil rights era. Lander emphasized that observing court hearings is a legal and non-violent act aimed at ensuring transparency in the judicial process. Dr. Ryan Shapiro, executive director of Property of the People, also criticized the FBI's characterization of courtwatching as a terrorist threat, asserting that it undermines democratic freedoms.

The Guardian

The FBI's report cited a "sensitive source" for its information but did not clarify how it accessed the Signal group. The Department of Justice (DoJ) defended its actions, with a spokesperson stating that the current administration is restoring integrity to immigration courts. Critics, including civil liberties advocates, argue that the FBI's surveillance reflects a broader pattern of criminalizing free speech and dissent, particularly against immigrant rights activists.

The Guardian

Civil liberties advocates have expressed alarm over the FBI's tactics, drawing parallels to historical surveillance practices targeting social movements. Spencer Reynolds, a former senior intelligence counsel with DHS, noted that such surveillance could lead to distrust among activists and undermine their efforts. Critics argue that the government's actions are part of a systematic effort to intimidate those advocating for immigrant rights.

The Guardian

While the FBI's report labels the activists as extremists, it lacks specific evidence to support these claims. The memo does not provide details about the alleged calls for violence or the individuals involved. Activists maintain that their courtwatching efforts have been peaceful and aimed at ensuring accountability in the immigration system.

The Guardian

• “FBI surveillance tactic is ripped straight out of the J Edgar Hoover playbook” — Brad Lander, New York City Comptroller

The Guardian

• “Basic civic participation is not a terrorist threat,” — Dr. Ryan Shapiro, Executive Director of Property of the People

The Guardian

• “These activities, and public access to our courts, are lawful and protected by our rights in the US constitution, yet routinely we’re seeing federal officials portray efforts to obtain basic accountability as threats.” — Spencer Reynolds, Civil Liberties Advocate

The Guardian

The FBI's surveillance of immigrant rights activists raises significant concerns about civil liberties and the government's approach to dissent. As activists continue to monitor immigration court proceedings, the implications of such surveillance on free speech and civic engagement remain a critical issue in the ongoing discourse surrounding immigration policy and enforcement in the United States.

The Guardian