The Justice Department is investigating whether Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey obstructed federal immigration enforcement through public statements, two people familiar with the matter said Friday.
Both Walz and Frey said the investigation was a bullying tactic designed to intimidate political opponents and focused on possible violations of conspiracy laws, people familiar with the matter said.
The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to be identified discussing a pending investigation.
CBS News first reported the investigation.
The investigation comes amid a week-long immigration crackdown in Minneapolis and St. Paul that the Department of Homeland Security called ” Largest recent immigration enforcement operationresulting in more than 2,500 arrests.
The operation has become more confrontational since the incident Renee Good was shot and killed on January 7agents pulled people from cars and homes and were often Facing angry bystanders Ask them to leave. State and local officials have repeatedly told protesters to remain peaceful.
In response to the investigative report, Walz said in a statement: “Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. And before that it was Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system and threatening political opponents is a dangerous authoritarian tactic.”
U.S. Sens. Kelly from Arizona and Slotkin from Michigan Under investigation The warning comes after President Donald Trump’s administration appeared in a video with other Democratic lawmakers urging members of the military to resist “unlawful orders.” The government also introduced a criminal investigation Powell’s term is the first for a current Fed chair.
Walz’s office said it has not received any notice of the investigation.
Frey called the investigation an attempt to intimidate him because he “stands with Minneapolis, our local law enforcement and our residents against the chaos and danger this administration has brought to our streets.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis had no immediate comment.
In posts on social media platforms X According to the investigation report, Attorney General Pam Bondi “All Minnesotans are reminded: No one is above the law,” she said, without specifically mentioning the investigation.
Nation calls for peaceful protests
With more protests expected in the Twin Cities this weekend, state authorities urged demonstrators to avoid confrontations.
“While peaceful speech is protected, any behavior that harms people, destroys property or endangers public safety will not be tolerated,” Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson said.
His comments came after Trump backed down from a threat a day earlier. Invoking the 1807 lawthe Insurrection Act, sending troops to suppress demonstrations.
“I don’t see any reason to use it right now, but if I need it, I will use it,” Trump told reporters outside the White House.
one A U.S. judge in Minnesota ruled Friday Federal officers working in law enforcement operations in the Minneapolis area cannot detain or tear gas peaceful protesters who do not impede authorities, including when they observe agents.
The case was filed on behalf of six Minnesota activists represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota before Goode was shot.
Government lawyers argued that the officials had been acting within their legal authority to enforce immigration laws and protect themselves. But the American Civil Liberties Union said government officials violated the constitutional rights of Twin Cities residents.
custodial whipping
A Liberian man has been detained and detained since immigration agency broke his door He was released again on Friday, hours after a routine check with authorities led to his second arrest.
Garrison Gibson’s dramatic first arrest last weekend was caught on video. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Bryan Arrest ruled illegal He was released Thursday, but Gibson was detained again when he appeared at an immigration office on Friday.
Attorney Mark Prokosh said Gibson was free again hours later.
Gibson, 37, fled civil war in his West African homeland as a child and was later ordered to leave the United States, apparently because of a 2008 drug conviction that was later dismissed. Prokos said he remained in the country legally under a so-called supervision order and complied with requirements to meet regularly with immigration authorities.
In Thursday’s order, the judge agreed that officials violated regulations by failing to provide Gibson with adequate notice that his supervisory status had been revoked. Prokosh said ICE told him they were “now working through the appropriate channels” to rescind the order.
911 caller: Goode shot at ‘close range’
Minneapolis authorities have released police and fire dispatch logs and 911 call records related to Goode’s shooting. Firefighters found two gunshot wounds to her right chest, one to her left forearm and a possible gunshot wound to the left side of her head, records show.
“They shot her because she wouldn’t open the car door,” one caller said. “Shooting at point-blank range in her car.”
Goode, 37, drove her Honda pilot, partially blocking a street. The video shows an officer approaching the SUV, asking her to open the door and grab the handle.
Goode began pulling forward and turning the wheels to the right. Another ICE officer, Jonathan Ross, drew his gun. close range shootingHe jumped back as the SUV passed him. Homeland Security claims agents shot Goode in self-defense.