Justice Department Opens Investigation Into Minnesota Governor, Minneapolis Mayor Over Immigration Enforcement Conflict

MLN — 17 JAN 2026: The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to determine whether their actions and statements impeded federal immigration enforcement operations, U.S. officials said Friday.

The inquiry centers on whether Walz and Frey conspired to obstruct the work of immigration agents during a major enforcement surge in the Twin Cities, including public comments urging residents to record federal actions and protests following the deployment of thousands of officers.

Sources familiar with the matter say a grand jury has issued subpoenas for both Walz and Frey as part of the probe; neither official has publicly confirmed receiving them.

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Walz has criticised the investigation as politically motivated, while Frey called it an attempt to intimidate local leaders.

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— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) January 15, 2026

The Justice Department declined to comment on specifics of the investigation. The development adds a new dimension to an already contentious standoff between state and federal authorities over immigration policy and law enforcement in Minnesota.