DOJ Subpoenas Minnesota Leaders Over Possible Obstruction of Immigration Enforcement

Overview

• Subpoenas served Jan. 20 target Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, and officials in Ramsey and Hennepin counties, with requests for policy documents.
• The investigation follows the Jan. 7 fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent during a Minneapolis protest, which prompted widespread demonstrations.
• Justice Department lawyers contend Minnesota officials are asserting a de facto veto over federal immigration law, while DHS and ICE say their actions are lawful.
• Walz labeled the probe a partisan intimidation tactic, Frey vowed not to be intimidated, and Ellison argued federal operations are violating free-speech and other constitutional rights.
• ICE says nearly 3,000 agents were deployed to Minnesota in what DHS calls its largest operation, focused on arresting suspected immigration violators and investigating alleged fraud.