DOJ Launches Criminal Investigation of Gov. Walz and Mayor Frey Over ICE Raids

In an extraordinary escalation of the Trump administration's confrontation with Democratic leaders, the Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, according to CBS News. Grand jury subpoenas have been issued to both officials as the federal government investigates alleged conspiracy to impede immigration enforcement operations.

The Legal Basis

The DOJ is specifically investigating potential violations of 18 U.S. Code § 372, "Conspiracy to impede or injure officer," CNN reports. The investigation stems from statements that Walz and Frey have made about the nearly 3,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and Border Patrol agents deployed to the Minneapolis region in recent weeks.

Largest ICE Operation in History

The Department of Homeland Security has called the massive deployment to Minneapolis-St. Paul the largest operation in its history. According to Al Jazeera, the immigration crackdown has resulted in more than 2,500 arrests, transforming the Twin Cities into the epicenter of the Trump administration's aggressive enforcement agenda.

Deadly Confrontations

The probe marks the latest escalation after an ICE agent shot and killed 37-year-old Minneapolis mother Renee Nicole Good. A second shooting incident occurred Wednesday when a federal agent shot a man in the leg, intensifying tensions between federal authorities and local communities.

Officials Call It Intimidation

Mayor Frey responded defiantly: "This is an obvious attempt to intimidate me for standing up for Minneapolis, local law enforcement, and residents against the chaos and danger this Administration has brought to our city. I will not be intimidated."

Governor Walz characterized the investigation as authoritarian: "Weaponising the justice system and threatening political opponents is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic," he stated. The Washington Post reports that critics see the investigation as a politically motivated attempt to silence opposition to federal immigration policies.

Administration's Hardline Response

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche wrote on social media: "Walz and Frey- I'm focused on stopping YOU from your terrorism by whatever means necessary. This is not a threat. It's a promise." Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem added that both officials "have to get their city under control" and are "encouraging impeding and assault against our law enforcement which is a federal crime."

President Trump has suggested he might invoke the Insurrection Act and deploy troops to Minneapolis, setting up a historic confrontation between federal authority and state sovereignty.