The Trump Justice Department is pursuing an investigation into top Minnesota political leaders for impeding federal law enforcement and has issued subpoenas, according to news reports Friday.
The subpoenas were issued for Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both Democrats, The Washington Post reported, citing two sources. It was not clear if they had been served yet.
Both have been vocal in denouncing the federal immigration enforcement surge President Trump ordered after reports of massive fraud in the migrant community. They have called for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to retreat from the state.
But Trump officials say they’ve gone beyond rhetoric with some of their demonization of federal officers and calls to residents to take action.
Mr. Walz, on social media, denounced the probe, comparing it to actions the administration has taken against other prominent politicians.
“Two days ago it was [Sen.] Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was [Federal Reserve Chair] Jerome Powell. Before that, [Sen.] Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic,” he said. “The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.”
Mr. Frey called the subpoena “an obvious attempt to intimidate me.”
“I will not be intimidated. My focus remains where it’s always been: keeping our city safe,” he said on social media.
Ms. Good’s death last week and the wounding of a fleeing illegal immigrant this week, also by an ICE officer, have left Minnesota on edge.
Both sides have called for the other to take the lead in toning things down.
“Minnesota needs ICE to leave,” Mr. Frey said Thursday.
Mr. Walz, in an address before the latest shooting Wednesday, urged residents to track and record ICE “atrocities.”
Minnesota has also sued to try to shut down the enforcement surge.
The Washington Times has sought comment from the Justice Department.
