Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison attend a press conference, after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 12, 2026. REUTERS/Tim Evans
(Washington, DC) – The Justice Department has issued subpoenas to several top Minnesota Democrats – including Tim Walz, Keith Ellison, and Jacob Frey – as part of a sweeping federal investigation into whether state and local officials conspired to obstruct federal immigration enforcement, according to sources.
The subpoenas, served Tuesday, mark a significant escalation in the ongoing standoff between the U.S. Department of Justice and Minnesota leaders who have openly opposed the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown.
Focus of the Investigation
According to multiple sources familiar with the inquiry, federal prosecutors are examining whether Minnesota officials may have violated 18 U.S.C. § 372, a statute that criminalizes conspiracies to impede federal officers from carrying out their duties. The law was previously used to prosecute participants in the January 6 Capitol riot, including members of extremist groups such as the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys.
A copy of one subpoena reviewed by CBS does not list specific criminal charges, but officials familiar with the case say the statute is central to the investigation.
Massive Federal Presence Sparks Tensions
Earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security deployed roughly 3,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents to the Minneapolis area – a force nearly five times the size of the Minneapolis Police Department.
The deployment has fueled daily protests and confrontations, particularly after the Jan. 7 fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Good by an ICE officer. State and local leaders have condemned federal operations as indiscriminate and heavy-handed.
Officials Push Back
Mayor Frey confirmed receiving the subpoena and said the Justice Department is targeting him simply for opposing the administration.
“When the federal government weaponizes its power to try to intimidate local leaders for doing their jobs, every American should be concerned,” Frey said, adding that Minneapolis “will not be afraid.”
Attorney General Ellison also confirmed his office received a grand jury subpoena for records, emphasizing it was not directed at him personally.
“Instead of seriously investigating the killing of Renee Good, Trump is weaponizing the justice system against any leader who dares stand up to him,” Ellison said.
What the Subpoenas Demand
The subpoena issued to Frey’s office orders the city’s records custodian to testify before a grand jury on Feb. 3 and seeks extensive documentation, including:
Communications related to federal immigration enforcement since Jan. 1
Records discussing non-cooperation with immigration authorities
Any directives issued to residents regarding interactions with federal agents
