The U.S. Department of Justice is looking into allegations that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey obstructed federal immigration enforcement efforts with their public statements, as revealed by two sources familiar with the situation. The investigation is specifically examining the potential violation of a conspiracy statute, according to the sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity to The Associated Press.
CBS News was the first to report on this ongoing inquiry. In response to the reports, Governor Walz criticized the use of the justice system for political purposes, citing recent instances involving other public figures like U.S. senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, as well as Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.
Walz’s office mentioned that they have not been officially informed about any investigation against him. Mayor Frey expressed his determination to continue prioritizing the safety of Minneapolis amidst what he perceives as an attempt to intimidate him for his stance against the current administration’s policies.
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the importance of upholding the law through a social media post, stating that nobody is exempt from legal scrutiny. The inquiry coincides with an extensive immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis and St. Paul, resulting in over 2,500 arrests, amid heightened tensions following a recent fatal shooting involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Despite calling for peaceful protests, Governor Walz has encouraged citizens to document interactions between ICE agents and the public for potential legal actions. Both Walz and Frey have been vocal in their opposition to the ICE deployment, labeling it as a hazardous operation that endangers civilians.
Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche has singled out Walz and Frey for the escalating confrontations and vowed to take necessary actions to address the situation.