The US Justice Department has launched a significant investigation into Minnesota's top political leaders over allegations they conspired to obstruct a controversial federal immigration crackdown in the state.
Targeting Vocal Democratic Critics
According to multiple reports, including an initial account from CBS News, the inquiry targets two of the most prominent Democratic critics of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement surge. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey are the subjects of the probe, which represents an extraordinary use of federal power against state and local officials.
Walz, who was the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in 2024, responded forcefully to the news on social media. He framed the investigation as part of a broader pattern of politically motivated actions. "Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly," Walz wrote. "Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic."
In a statement provided to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Mayor Jacob Frey struck a defiant tone. "I will not be intimidated," he declared. "This is an obvious attempt to intimidate me for standing up for Minneapolis, our local law enforcement and our residents against the chaos and danger this administration has brought to our streets."
Flashpoint Following Fatal Shooting
The investigation unfolds against a backdrop of intense conflict in Minnesota, which has become a national flashpoint for resistance to the administration's immigration policies. Tensions erupted following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE officer Jonathan Ross last week. The incident triggered widespread protests.
An analysis of witness videos by The New York Times suggested Ross sidestepped the car Good was driving and that she did not appear to pose a threat when he fired three times at close range. However, federal authorities, including President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance, have consistently defended Ross's actions.
The Department of Homeland Security has deployed roughly 3,000 immigration enforcement officers to Minnesota, a force five times larger than the Minneapolis police department. Furthermore, a rift has emerged between local and federal officials over the investigation into the shooting, with the FBI refusing to cooperate with state investigators.
Subpoenas and Escalating Rhetoric
The Washington Post reports that the Justice Department has already prepared subpoenas for both Governor Walz and Mayor Frey, with plans to serve them imminently. The department's deputy attorney general, Todd Blanche, appeared to reference the coming investigation in a social media post this week.
"Minnesota insurrection is a direct result of a FAILED governor and a TERRIBLE mayor encouraging violence against law enforcement," Blanche tweeted. "Walz and Frey – I'm focused on stopping YOU from your terrorism by whatever means necessary."
This case marks another instance where the Trump administration has directed the Justice Department to pursue investigations against political opponents since returning to office last year. Both Minnesota leaders vow to continue their opposition to the federal crackdown as the legal and political battle intensifies.
