The U.S. Justice Department escalated tensions with Minnesota's Democratic leadership this week, issuing grand jury subpoenas to Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The move comes amid an ongoing federal investigation into whether public criticism of President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement operations constitutes criminal interference.
Documents obtained by KhabarAsia.com reveal the subpoenas demand records dating back to January 2025 regarding coordination with federal immigration authorities. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey confirmed his office received a subpoena targeting communications about immigration enforcement cooperation.
ICE Operations Spark Public Backlash
The conflict stems from Trump's deployment of thousands of Border Patrol and ICE agents to the Twin Cities area since late 2025. Military-clad officers conducting street arrests have faced sustained protests, with Walz accusing the administration of "reckless political theater." The governor has urged citizens to document federal agents' conduct through a public video database.
Fatal Shooting Intensifies Tensions
Public outrage intensified following the January 9 fatal shooting of Minnesota resident Renee Good by an ICE agent during a traffic stop. Multiple incidents of alleged racial profiling—including the Sunday arrest of a partially clothed Asian American man—have drawn condemnation from civil rights groups.
Legal Precedent Questioned
Legal experts note the unusual nature of pursuing criminal charges against officials for policy disagreements. This marks the Justice Department's latest move in a series of investigations targeting Trump critics, including Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and military veteran lawmakers.
As the standoff continues, Minnesota residents brace for further clashes between federal agents and local authorities committed to limiting ICE's enforcement reach.
