DOJ Subpoenas Minnesota Leaders in Immigration Crackdown Probe
The Justice Department is intensifying its investigation into alleged obstruction of federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, issuing grand jury subpoenas to several high-profile officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The move signals a significant escalation in the federal government’s scrutiny of state and local responses to the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
The subpoenas, which also target Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, seek records and testimony related to potential efforts to impede Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. NPR reports that additional state and local leaders may also have been subpoenaed, though confirmation is still pending. Mayor Frey has been ordered to appear in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis on February 3rd.
Frey swiftly condemned the subpoenas, accusing the federal government of weaponizing its power to intimidate local leaders. “We shouldn’t have to live in a country where people fear that federal law enforcement will be used to play politics or crack down on local voices they disagree with,” he stated.
The escalating tensions follow a news briefing earlier this week where U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino and ICE leader Marcos Charles publicly criticized Minnesota leaders. Charles asserted that local and state politicians had been spreading rhetoric that dehumanizes immigration officers and agents.
This federal action also arrives amidst heightened scrutiny of ICE following the shooting death of 37-year-old Renee Macklin Good earlier this month. Protests have erupted across Minnesota in response to the incident. Attorney General Ellison voiced strong criticism, stating, “Less than two weeks ago, federal agents shot and killed a Minnesotan in broad daylight. Now, instead of seriously investigating the killing of Renee Good, Trump is weaponizing the justice system against any leader who dares stand up to him.”
During a White House press briefing, President Trump addressed the shooting and ICE tactics, acknowledging the potential for mistakes. “They’re going to make mistakes. Sometimes ICE is going to be too rough with somebody, or, you know, they’re dealing with rough people,” Trump said. “Are they going to make a mistake sometimes? It can happen. I feel terribly. I felt horribly when I was told that the young woman who was, who had the tragedy. It’s a tragedy. It’s a horrible thing.”
Ellison revealed that the DOJ is specifically requesting documents related to his office’s legal challenges to ICE’s enforcement tactics in the region. He framed the subpoenas as a direct response to his office’s efforts to protect Minnesota residents. “Let’s be clear about why this is happening: Donald Trump is coming after the people of Minnesota and I’m standing in his way,” Ellison declared. “I will not be intimidated, and I will not stop working to protect Minnesotans from Trump’s campaign of retaliation and revenge.”
The White House has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the DOJ subpoenas. This unfolding situation underscores the deepening conflict between state and federal authorities over immigration policy and raises critical questions about the appropriate use of federal power.
