No dedicated U.S. agency solely targets cults, as they are often protected under the First Amendment unless linked to crimes like fraud, abuse, or violence.[reddit +1] Key Agencies Involved The FBI leads many investigations into cult-related crimes, such as financial fraud or exploitation near military bases, as seen in 2022 raids on House of Prayer churches. Local police departments handle community threats from new religious movements, exemplified by the Garland, Texas, Police Department’s preparation for the Chen Tao group’s predicted doomsday event. Federal partners like Homeland Security Investigations target online cult networks tied to child abuse or extremism.[armytimes +3] Common Triggers Agencies intervene for specific violations, including sexual exploitation (e.g., “Greggy’s Cult” charges by DOJ), weapons stockpiling (Branch Davidians), or murders (Manson Family). Threat assessments from FBI’s National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime help evaluate risks without infringing rights. Europol coordinates internationally for cross-border online cults.[icsahome +3]