The Trump administration’s Justice Department has launched a federal criminal investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
Story Highlights
- DOJ investigating Walz and Frey under federal conspiracy statute for allegedly impeding ICE agents
- Investigation follows fatal shooting of Minnesota resident by ICE officer during massive federal deployment
- Nearly 3,000 federal agents deployed to Minneapolis in largest DHS operation in history
- Officials face potential felony charges for public statements criticized as inciting obstruction
Federal Crackdown Targets Democratic Officials
The Department of Justice launched a formal investigation Friday into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey under 18 U.S.C. § 372, which criminalizes conspiracy to impede federal officers. The probe focuses on their public statements criticizing the deployment of nearly 3,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents to Minneapolis. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem accused both officials of encouraging assaults on federal officers through inflammatory rhetoric that “perpetuated” violence against immigration enforcement teams.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche signaled the administration’s hardline approach in a social media post, stating the federal government would stop Walz and Frey’s “terrorism by whatever means necessary.” The investigation represents an extraordinary escalation, as federal conspiracy charges are rarely applied to elected officials’ public policy criticism. A senior Justice Department official confirmed the probe targets coordinated efforts to obstruct federal immigration operations, distinguishing it from protected political speech.
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ICE Shooting Sparks Massive Protests and Political Firestorm
The investigation stems from protests that erupted after an ICE officer fatally shot Minnesota resident Renee Nicole Good during the massive federal immigration enforcement operation. Frey declared the federal deployment “not sustainable” and claimed local police were “fighting ICE agents” before telling federal officers to “get the f*ck out” of his city. Walz urged peaceful protests while denouncing federal tactics as chaotic and dangerous to public safety.
The Trump administration deployed the agents as part of what officials describe as the largest DHS operation in U.S. history, targeting undocumented individuals and investigating fraud allegations throughout the Minneapolis area. The operation has created significant tension between federal authorities and local law enforcement, with clashes occurring between protesters, local police, and federal agents. Noem argued that local officials must control their city and stop rhetoric that undermines federal law enforcement efforts.
Constitutional Showdown Over Federal Authority
Walz fired back at the investigation, calling it “weaponizing the justice system” and a “dangerous, authoritarian tactic.” He pointedly noted that “the only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.” The governor’s office stated they had not received formal notification of the investigation as of the initial reports, while DOJ spokespersons declined to comment on the ongoing probe.
The federal investigation could set a troubling precedent for prosecuting political speech that opposes federal policies, potentially chilling legitimate criticism of government overreach. While the conspiracy statute has historically been used for cases involving actual violence or direct threats, this probe appears to target public statements and policy positions. The outcome could significantly impact the balance between federal immigration enforcement authority and state and local officials’ ability to voice opposition to federal operations within their jurisdictions.
Sources:
Justice Department investigating Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly impeding immigration agents
DOJ investigating Minnesota governor, Minneapolis mayor for alleged obstruction
