The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over allegations that they obstructed federal law enforcement activities. The probe follows public statements by both officials claiming that Minnesota and Minneapolis are “at war” with the federal government over immigration enforcement operations.
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Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin reported Friday night, citing DOJ sources, that both Walz and Frey are under federal investigation for alleged interference with immigration enforcement. Melugin said the investigation is still in its early stages and that limited details are currently available.
The Washington Post separately reported that Walz and Frey have either received or are expected to receive subpoenas as part of the inquiry. According to individuals familiar with the matter, the subpoenas were set to be served Friday. Neither official has publicly confirmed receiving one.
Governor Walz responded on social media by characterizing the investigation as politically motivated. In an X post, he argued that the Justice Department was being used as a weapon against political opponents, comparing his situation to investigations involving other Democratic figures. Walz also criticized federal authorities over the handling of the shooting death of Renee Good.
The investigation comes amid heightened tensions following the fatal shooting of Good, an anti-ICE activist who was killed after driving her vehicle toward a federal agent during an enforcement operation. Authorities have said video evidence shows the agent standing directly in front of the vehicle at the time of the shooting, while Good was actively attempting to block agents.
Despite that footage, both Walz and Frey quickly rejected claims that the shooting was an act of self-defense. Frey condemned ICE at a press conference shortly after the incident, while Walz and several prominent Democratic leaders accused federal agents of wrongdoing. Walz has since escalated his rhetoric, stating that Minnesota is “at war” with the federal government over immigration enforcement.[/read]