The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over allegations they conspired to impede federal immigration enforcement, according to multiple reports. The probe, confirmed by anonymous U.S. officials, centers on potential violations of conspiracy statutes related to public statements made by the state and local leaders during a contentious immigration crackdown.
Federal prosecutors are examining whether Walz and Frey have obstructed Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations through their rhetoric and actions. The investigation was first reported by CBS News and involves scrutiny of whether the officials have knowingly interfered with federal law enforcement activities in Minnesota, potentially violating laws that prohibit conspiracy to impede federal officers.
In response to the investigation, Governor Walz issued a statement on social media, comparing it to other cases and calling it an “authoritarian tactic” of weaponizing the justice system. He emphasized that the only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent involved. Mayor Frey posted on X, stating, “This is an obvious attempt to intimidate me for standing up for Minneapolis,” and affirmed he would not be intimidated, focusing on city safety.
The investigation unfolds against the backdrop of a massive immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis and St. Paul, described by the Department of Homeland Security as its largest to date, resulting in over 2,500 arrests. Tensions escalated after the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old woman, by an ICE officer on January 7. Video footage showed the officer firing at close range, and while DHS claims self-defense, the incident has fueled protests and criticism from local officials.
State and local authorities have urged protesters to remain peaceful, with Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety commissioner warning against actions that harm people or property. President Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy troops, though he later said it might not be necessary immediately. Minnesota’s attorney general has threatened lawsuits if federal forces are used, highlighting the deepening political standoff.
Amid the crackdown, legal battles have emerged, such as the case of Garrison Gibson, a Liberian man whose arrest was ruled unlawful by a federal judge. Gibson was released, detained again, and then freed, with his attorney citing procedural errors by ICE. This case underscores the confusion in enforcement procedures and has raised questions about due process.
Community impacts are profound, with Native American leaders advising members to carry tribal IDs to avoid mistaken detentions by ICE. Reports of ICE agents going door-to-door asking for Asian residents have alarmed Hmong American communities in St. Paul, where Mayor Kaohly Her noted widespread fear and precautionary measures like carrying passports.
Additional incidents include the theft of body armor and weapons from an FBI vehicle in Minneapolis, leading to arrests, and the release of 911 call transcripts detailing the shooting of Renee Good. These events have compounded the tensions, with Democratic members of Congress holding meetings to hear from affected residents.
Looking ahead, the DOJ investigation could lead to criminal charges if evidence supports the allegations, potentially escalating the conflict between state and federal authorities. Both Walz and Frey have indicated they will not be deterred, setting the stage for continued legal and political battles over immigration enforcement, states’ rights, and the rule of law in a highly polarized environment.
