The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of War have joined an expanding federal investigation into a network of nonprofit organizations funded by Shanghai-based American Marxist tech mogul Neville Roy Singham. Multiple agencies are examining alleged coordination aimed at sowing discord across the United States. The probe now encompasses several Trump administration departments scrutinizing funding patterns, online organization and coordination among activist groups suspected of ties to Singham’s extensive nonprofit network.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed he is collaborating with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and intelligence agencies to uncover the operations of organizations allegedly working to stir up domestic unrest. Mullin spoke exclusively after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid in Manassas, Virginia, last week. This marks the first public confirmation that both DHS and the Department of War are actively involved in the investigations.
Coordinated online efforts detected across encrypted platforms
Federal investigators discovered organizations have been coordinating activities through encrypted online channels. Anti-ICE activists used the Signal encrypted messaging app to facilitate protests in Minneapolis, Minnesota, earlier this year. Secretary Mullin explained that authorities identified a coordinated effort attempting to generate discontent through digital processes. He noted ongoing discussions with Scott Bessent and Secretary Hegseth regarding these activities. Intelligence agency directors maintain constant communication about the evolving situation.
An investigation revealed the scope of Singham’s nonprofit network, which received $278 million in funding. The money flowed into six 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations that distributed Chinese Communist Party propaganda. The Treasury, State and Justice Departments had already launched investigations into the Singham network for alleged financial improprieties and malign foreign influence. Mullin’s statement represents the first disclosure of DHS and War Department involvement in these parallel investigations.
DHS agents encounter Singham-backed groups during operations
Department of Homeland Security agents have repeatedly confronted activists supported by organizations within Singham’s network over the past year. A campaign called “ICE Out of New York” operates from the People’s Forum, a nonprofit funded by Singham. The organization regularly holds volunteer meetings at its headquarters on W. 37th Street in midtown Manhattan and coordinates demonstrations. Singham provided $22.44 million to the People’s Forum, a 501(c)(3) organization that recently spent $5.55 million on new Manhattan headquarters.
The Party for Socialism and Liberation, a self-described Marxist organization supported by Singham’s network, has played a central role in past anti-police and anti-ICE demonstrations. Multiple organizations within the network describe themselves as Marxist-Leninists, including the ANSWER Coalition, BreakThrough News and various affiliated groups. These entities demonstrated rapid mobilization capabilities during recent enforcement operations.
Secretary compares tactics to Soviet-era strategies
When questioned about Beijing’s influence operations in the United States, Secretary Mullin drew parallels to tactics employed by Joseph Stalin, former general secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. He referenced historical attempts to destroy America from within by creating distrust in government institutions. The strategy involves generating street-level discontent, undermining public trust in law enforcement, disrupting family units and targeting Christian values. Mullin characterized these methods as part of a long-standing plan to weaken American society internally.
The DHS secretary emphasized that attempts to influence and destabilize America from within represent an ongoing challenge. The United States has battled pro-communist adversaries operating inside its borders for decades. Mullin argued that public awareness of foreign malign influence constitutes a key defense against propaganda efforts. He believes adversaries promoting communist ideology and anti-ICE rhetoric are accelerating a radical agenda with Democratic Party support.
Minneapolis operations trigger coordinated response from activist network
In December, DHS initiated “Operation Metro Surge” in the Minneapolis metro area amid investigations of widespread fraud, predominantly in the Somali community. Activists mobilized street protests to oppose federal agents. Federal agents killed demonstrators Renee Good and Alex Pretti during operations, with the agency citing obstruction of law enforcement activities. Following Good’s death, numerous organizations within Singham’s network acted swiftly to facilitate unrest and coordinate responses.
- Encrypted Signal chat groups coordinated protest activities and shared tactical information in real time.
- Command-and-control centers directed demonstrator movements and communication strategies during confrontations.
- Rapid-response propaganda materials shaped public narrative and media coverage of enforcement operations.
- Orchestrated clashes with DHS agents, including tear-gas incidents, mobilized forces and influenced public opinion.
The FBI is investigating Minnesota anti-ICE Signal group chats, according to statements from agency officials. While Secretary Mullin was not leading DHS during those demonstrations, he acknowledged clear coordination patterns when discussing the incidents last week. He stressed that violent protests and designed chaos do not affect the department’s ability to fulfill its border and national security commitments.
Agents continue enforcement despite organized opposition
Secretary Mullin emphasized that coordinated opposition efforts do not prevent DHS personnel from executing their duties. He noted that federal agents signed up for their positions not for recognition but because they want to remove criminals from American streets. Online campaigns and criticism from far-left Democrats do not deter these individuals from enforcing laws passed by Congress. Assaults on ICE officers surged 830% as Democrats were caught allegedly doxing and physically assaulting agents, according to DHS data.
Mullin highlighted that the American public overwhelmingly supports border security, with 80% favoring secure borders and criminal removal from communities. He characterized the opposition as representing only 20% of radical Democrats who embrace an agenda promoted by foreign adversaries. The department maintains its operational focus despite organized resistance from activist networks. Federal agents continue enforcement operations while multiple agencies work to understand the full scope of foreign influence operations targeting domestic stability.