Climate Activists Report FBI Visits as Federal Investigation Unfolds

The environmental group Extinction Rebellion has revealed that federal agents have been questioning its members over the past year. FBI agents, including those from terrorism task forces, have visited activists in New York and Boston, though the bureau won't confirm details of any investigation.

Climate advocacy organization Extinction Rebellion disclosed Wednesday that federal authorities have been conducting an investigation into the group, with FBI personnel making contact with several members during the past year.

The bureau declined to provide details when contacted for a response, stating it cannot verify or deny ongoing investigations per Department of Justice protocols.

According to the activist organization’s public statement, federal agents from the Joint Terrorism Task Force approached a former participant at their home on February 6, 2026. The residence was located approximately 200 miles from New York City, where the person had been involved with the group’s local chapter.

During that encounter, the agents questioned the individual about their participation in Extinction Rebellion’s New York City operations, the organization reported. The former member directed all inquiries to their legal counsel.

The group revealed additional contact occurred in March 2025, when six activists connected to Extinction Rebellion’s Boston branch were approached by individuals claiming FBI affiliation. No subsequent communications followed those initial contacts.

The activist organization provided limited additional information, and federal authorities offered no details regarding the investigation’s scope or objectives.

Civil liberties organizations have expressed concerns about free speech protections during President Donald Trump’s current term, pointing to his administration’s response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza, along with his public statements targeting liberal organizations and groups challenging his policy positions on immigration and environmental issues.

Trump’s administration has made allegations against various organizations, frequently without supporting evidence, claiming they provide financial support and coordination for political violence. Environmental advocates have criticized the president’s rollback of climate regulations and America’s exit from international environmental agreements.

According to its international website, the environmental organization describes itself as a “decentralised, international and politically non-partisan movement using non-violent direct action and civil disobedience to persuade governments to act justly” regarding climate issues. Notable activist Greta Thunberg has participated in events coordinated by the organization.