The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued an internal warning to immigration enforcement personnel regarding a coordinated scheme to expose their identities through fraudulent online dating profiles.
According to a memorandum distributed by the FBI’s Chicago field office in February, a small group of women created fake dating accounts in January specifically designed to target immigration authorities. The profiles employed what the agency described as “traditional wife” imagery and listed particular interests calculated to appeal to law enforcement personnel.
The objective of this operation, as detailed in the FBI memo, was to entice targeted officers into online or face-to-face meetings under the pretense of romantic interest. Once contact was established, the individuals would then be publicly identified and their personal information distributed online, a practice commonly known as doxing.
“The tactic is intended to generate public embarrassment and deter immigration enforcement activity,” the memo states.
The document’s authenticity has been confirmed by the FBI, though the agency declined to provide specific commentary on intelligence products. In a statement, federal authorities emphasized their commitment to officer safety.
“The FBI regularly shares information with our law enforcement partners to assist in protecting the communities they serve as well as protecting those who serve and protect communities,” the agency noted. “The FBI is committed to ensuring that law enforcement officers are safe from threats or violence while performing their duties.”
The memo did not specify which dating platforms were used or provide examples of the fraudulent profiles. However, the timing of these activities coincides with significant immigration enforcement operations in the region.
The warning was issued during what federal authorities designated “Operation Metro Surge,” which deployed thousands of immigration officers to the Twin Cities area. That operation was subsequently scaled back following the fatal shootings of two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were participating in protests against immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis in January.
The deaths sparked widespread demonstrations across the nation and intensified criticism of federal law enforcement tactics. The alleged dating profile scheme in Chicago also followed another major enforcement initiative in that city, known as “Operation Midway Blitz.”
The FBI memorandum was obtained through a state open records request by Property of the People, a nonprofit organization focused on government transparency, and subsequently provided to news organizations.
This incident underscores the increasingly contentious environment surrounding immigration enforcement operations and the novel tactics being employed by opposition groups. Federal authorities have made clear their concern for officer safety extends beyond traditional physical threats to include digital-age methods of harassment and intimidation.
The investigation into these activities remains ongoing, and it is unclear whether any arrests or charges have resulted from the FBI’s warning.
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