The U.S. Department of Justice is looking into whether Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have obstructed federal immigration enforcement through their public statements, as reported by sources familiar with the situation. The inquiry is centered on a potential violation of a conspiracy statute, the sources revealed, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation.
Initial reports of the investigation were first made public by CBS News. Following these reports, Governor Walz responded, criticizing the perceived politicization of the justice system and the targeting of political opponents. He referenced U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, along with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, in his statement. Walz’s office stated that they have not been officially notified of any investigation.
Expressing defiance against perceived intimidation, Mayor Frey asserted his commitment to the safety of Minneapolis and its residents. Meanwhile, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that no one is exempt from the law in a social media post.
The investigation unfolds amidst an extensive immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis and St. Paul, with over 2,500 arrests reported by the Department of Homeland Security. The operation intensified following the fatal shooting of Renee Good, prompting calls from state and local authorities for peaceful protests.
Governor Walz has encouraged citizens to document interactions between ICE agents and the public, aiming to compile evidence for potential legal action against law enforcement misconduct. Both Walz and Frey have vocally opposed the militarized deportation efforts by ICE, condemning the operation as dangerous and disruptive.
Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche has attributed confrontations to Walz and Frey, pledging to halt them using all necessary means.