The Justice Department has reportedly launched an investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, probing whether the two leaders violated federal conspiracy statutes by allegedly obstructing immigration enforcement through their public statements.
According to two individuals familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, the inquiry centers on whether comments made by the officials impeded federal agents during a volatile period of enforcement in the Twin Cities.
The existence of the investigation was first reported by CBS News.
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The probe lands in the middle of a massive, weeks-long operation by the Department of Homeland Security in Minneapolis and St. Paul. DHS officials have characterized the sweep as their largest enforcement operation to date, resulting in more than 2,500 arrests.
Tensions on the ground have escalated sharply following the January 7 fatal shooting of Renee Good, creating a charged atmosphere between local residents and federal agents.
Governor Walz characterized the leaked news as part of a broader pattern of political targeting.
“Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly,” Walz said in a statement. “Weaponizing the justice system and threatening political opponents is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic.”
Mayor Frey struck a similarly defiant tone, framing the investigation as a pressure tactic designed to undercut local leadership.
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“This is an obvious attempt to intimidate me for standing up for Minneapolis, our local law enforcement, and our residents against the chaos and danger this Administration has brought to our streets,” Frey stated. “I will not be intimidated. My focus will remain where it’s always been: keeping our city safe.”
The reported investigation highlights the deepening rift between federal authorities and local officials in Minnesota.
As the DHS crackdown continues, confrontations have become more frequent. State and local leaders have repeatedly urged protesters to remain peaceful.
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