The United States Justice Department is investigating whether Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey obstructed federal immigration enforcement through their public statements. Two individuals familiar with the investigation confirmed this information, highlighting potential violations of conspiracy statutes. They spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation.
In response to the inquiry, Walz issued a statement asserting that such actions reflect a troubling trend. “Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system and threatening political opponents is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic,” he stated. Walz’s office indicated it has not received any official notice of the investigation.
Frey, also responding to the reports, characterized the investigation as an attempt to intimidate him for advocating on behalf of his city. “I will not be intimidated. My focus will remain where it’s always been: keeping our city safe,” he declared.
Context of the Investigation
This investigation arises during an extensive immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Department of Homeland Security has labeled this crackdown as its largest enforcement operation to date, resulting in over 2,500 arrests. The operation has intensified following the fatal shooting of Renee Good on January 7, prompting state and local officials to urge protesters to maintain peace.
State authorities have cautioned against potential confrontations during upcoming demonstrations against the current administration’s immigration policies. Bob Jacobson, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, emphasized the need for peaceful protests and stated, “While peaceful expression is protected, any actions that harm people, destroy property, or jeopardize public safety will not be tolerated.” His remarks followed President Donald Trump’s comments about potentially invoking the Insurrection Act to suppress protests.
Detention Controversies
The investigation’s backdrop also includes troubling incidents involving immigrant detentions. A Liberian man, Garrison Gibson, has faced multiple arrests since immigration agents forcibly entered his home. His dramatic initial arrest was recorded on video, leading to a federal judge’s ruling that deemed the arrest unlawful.
After being released, Gibson was detained again during a routine check-in with immigration authorities but was freed shortly thereafter. His attorney, Marc Prokosch, reported that ICE personnel admitted to mishandling Gibson’s case. “In the words of my client, he said that somebody at ICE said they bleeped up and so they re-released him this afternoon,” Prokosch shared.
Gibson, who fled Liberia as a child during a civil war, has been living in the U.S. under an order of supervision after a 2008 drug conviction that was later dismissed. Prokosch indicated that a judge had found that immigration officials violated regulations by not properly notifying Gibson about the revocation of his supervision status, adding that ICE is now working to follow the correct procedures regarding his case.
As the investigation unfolds, the implications of the Justice Department’s scrutiny of state officials may have lasting impacts on the relationship between local governments and federal immigration enforcement.
