Federal prosecutors have issued grand jury subpoenas to several top Minnesota Democratic officials, including Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, as part of a Justice Department investigation into alleged obstruction of federal immigration enforcement operations in the state.
U.S. officials confirmed that subpoenas were served Tuesday to at least five Minnesota government offices in connection with an ongoing investigation examining whether state and local officials interfered with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations during the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
In addition to Walz and Frey, subpoenas were also issued to Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, according to federal officials. The subpoenas reportedly seek records and communications related to alleged anti-ICE actions and potential obstruction of federal law enforcement.
Sources familiar with the matter said the FBI served the subpoenas on behalf of the U.S. Department of Justice. The department declined to comment publicly on the investigation.
The probe follows earlier reporting that the Justice Department had opened an inquiry into Walz and Frey over their public opposition to federal immigration enforcement and their response to recent ICE operations in Minnesota. Federal officials have indicated that the investigation is examining potential obstruction, as well as whether state leadership failed to act on information about a large-scale fraud scheme in the state.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche previously stated that rhetoric or actions encouraging interference with federal officers could approach criminal conduct. Blanche said officials who encourage residents to confront or report federal agents may be engaging in behavior that risks violating federal law.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has also accused Minnesota leaders of contributing to hostility toward federal law enforcement officers during recent enforcement actions.
Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. 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. https://t.co/MfgwSjDFwh
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) January 16, 2026
Walz responded to the investigation by criticizing the Justice Department on X, calling the probe an attempt to “weaponize the justice system.” In a second post on X, Walz argued that the investigation was politically motivated saying, “This Justice Department investigation…does not seek justice. It is a partisan distraction.” He would refer to it as a form of unequal scrutiny.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) January 20, 2026
Frey similarly rejected the investigation, saying it was intended to intimidate him over his opposition to federal immigration operations in Minneapolis. In a social media post, Frey said he would not be deterred and emphasized his focus on public safety.
The subpoenas come amid heightened tensions in Minnesota following recent confrontations involving federal immigration officers, including a fatal shooting in which ICE officials said an agent acted in self-defense after a vehicle was driven toward officers. State and local Democratic leaders have disputed that account.
Federal officials have said the investigation remains ongoing and have not announced whether charges will be filed.
