The U.S. Justice Department has launched a formal investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly obstructing federal immigration enforcement operations. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing confrontation between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders regarding immigration policy.
The inquiry centers on potential violations of 18 U.S.C. § 372, a federal statute that criminalizes conspiracies to impede federal officers through “force, intimidation or threats.” According to CBS News, federal subpoenas have been issued to both officials following their public criticisms of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
The political conflict intensified following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week. Official reports obtained by CBS indicate Good sustained at least three gunshot wounds to the chest and forearm, with possible fourth injury to the head. Paramedics found her unresponsive with an irregular pulse, and she was pronounced dead en route to the hospital.
While federal authorities claim Good attempted to run over an ICE agent during an enforcement operation, local officials describe her as a legal observer who posed no threat. Video footage shows ICE agents approaching a vehicle blocking traffic, with an officer instructing Good to exit her Honda Pilot SUV. As she apparently attempted to drive away, an agent standing near the front of the vehicle discharged their weapon.
Governor Walz responded to the investigation announcement by declaring on social media platform X: “Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic. The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.” Walz had previously drawn administration criticism for comparing ICE to a “modern-day Gestapo,” while Mayor Frey has demanded ICE agents leave Minneapolis entirely.
President Trump amplified tensions by accusing protesters of being “highly paid professionals” and claiming local leaders had “totally lost control” of the situation. Though the president suggested earlier this week he might invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy troops to Minnesota, he later stated he saw no current necessity for such measures.
Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers conducted hearings in Minnesota on Friday, with Congresswoman Ilhan Omar accusing ICE of attempting to “provoke chaos and fear” and New York Representative Adriano Espaillat describing the agency as a “deadly weapon.” Proposed reforms included requirements for ICE agents to wear body cameras, display identification, and obtain warrants before making arrests.
The Department of Homeland Security defended its practices, with spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin telling CNN that individuals “in the vicinity” of operations might be asked to confirm their identity based on “reasonable suspicion,” while denying such tactics reflect racial discrimination.
Protests continued in Minneapolis throughout the weekend as thousands of ICE officers remain deployed in the state, with local officials appealing for calm during the holiday period.