Daijiworld Media Network – Washinton

Washington, Dec 20: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched domestic terrorism and criminal investigations into anti ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) activity across at least 23 U.S. regions, according to internal documents and reporting. The probe, partly based on a Trump era directive (NSPM 7) targeting “violent and terroristic” anti fascist organising, has alarmed civil liberties and advocacy groups.

The FBI’s report identifies a range of behaviours — including use of encrypted messaging apps and research into agent movements — as possible indicators of threats against immigration enforcement personnel and facilities. Critics argue that the language is overly broad and could lead to surveillance or criminalisation of peaceful First Amendment protected speech and dissent.

Civil rights advocates have expressed deep concern that the investigations could target activist communities and political protestors, especially given the lack of clear evidence linking many alleged incidents to actual violence. Several groups warn that the directive risks expanding the definition of domestic terrorism in ways that may harm legitimate civic engagement.

Officials from the FBI have defended the move as necessary to safeguard enforcement personnel and infrastructure amid a reported uptick in threats against ICE agents and facilities, particularly in states like Texas where property damage and gunfire incidents have been noted.