Environmental Group Extinction Rebellion Under Federal Probe

Activists say FBI agents have visited members in New York and Boston

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The environmental group Extinction Rebellion has stated that it is under federal investigation in the United States, with some of its members being visited by FBI agents, including from the agency's task force on extremism, over the past year. The group said a former member in New York was visited by two FBI agents in February 2026, while agents also attempted to speak with six different activists affiliated with the group's Boston chapter in March 2025.

Why it matters

The reported federal probe into Extinction Rebellion, a non-violent environmental activist group, has raised concerns over free speech and the government's treatment of climate advocacy organizations under the Trump administration. Rights groups have criticized the administration's crackdown on protests and threats against nonprofits that oppose its policies.

The details

According to Extinction Rebellion, the FBI agents asked the former New York member about their involvement with the group's local chapter. The group said the former member referred questions to their attorney. Extinction Rebellion also stated that in March 2025, agents identifying themselves as part of the FBI attempted to speak with six different activists affiliated with the group's Boston chapter, but there was no follow-up communication.

  • On February 6, 2026, a former member of Extinction Rebellion NYC was visited by two FBI agents.
  • In March 2025, FBI agents attempted to speak with six different activists affiliated with Extinction Rebellion Boston.

The players

Extinction Rebellion

A decentralized, international, and politically non-partisan environmental movement that uses non-violent direct action and civil disobedience to urge governments to address the climate emergency.

FBI

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the primary investigative agency of the United States federal government.

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What they’re saying

“On the evening of February 6, 2026, a former member of (Extinction Rebellion NYC) was visited by two special agents from the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force at their residence, 200 miles outside of New York City.”

— Extinction Rebellion (Extinction Rebellion statement)

The takeaway

The reported federal probe into the non-violent environmental group Extinction Rebellion raises concerns about the Trump administration's treatment of climate advocacy organizations and the potential infringement on free speech rights of activists.