The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey — two high-profile Democrats — over allegations they may have conspired to interfere with federal immigration enforcement, according to people familiar with the matter.
The reported probe lands as tensions explode across the Minneapolis-St. Paul area following “Operation Metro Surge,” a massive federal immigration crackdown that has already produced more than 2,500 arrests and sparked escalating unrest.
Investigators are reportedly looking at whether Walz and Frey’s public attacks on ICE and Border Patrol crossed the line from political criticism into obstruction of justice or a conspiracy to impede federal law enforcement.
The enforcement surge followed the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent, an incident that helped ignite protests and a wave of clashes between demonstrators, local officials, and federal agents.
Walz and Frey have blasted the investigation as politically motivated. Walz called it “a dangerous, authoritarian tactic,” while Frey said he would not be intimidated and insisted his priority remains public safety.
“Two days ago, it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week, it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system and threatening political opponents is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic,” Walz said in a statement, adding that the only person not being investigated in connection with the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.
Frey called the reports “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.”
The DOJ has not formally confirmed the investigation, and neither official has been publicly served with subpoenas, sources said.
Meanwhile, protests and court fights continue. A federal judge recently ruled that ICE may not detain or use force against peaceful demonstrators in the region, further complicating an already volatile standoff.
The Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Walz and Frey did not immediately respond to requests for additional reaction.
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Can you enlighten us on the law enforcement on people that are attacking ICE agents? And, for that federal judge ruling, they need to put him on the front lines, and say we’re behind you all the way. When he hesitates, keep pushing him from behind to show him that you’re still behind him.
I would like to the judge to show me where the peaceful demonstrators are located.