Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have been subpoenaed by the DOJ : NPR
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is seen Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, in Minneapolis.
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Adam Gray/AP
The Justice Department has subpoenaed several Minnesota government officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, to appear before a grand jury, expanding the agency’s investigation alleging that Minnesota officials conspired to obstruct law enforcement as part of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her were also subpoenaed. NPR has not yet confirmed reports that other state and local leaders have also been subpoenaed.
Frey’s subpoena requires him to appear in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis on February 3. The mayor accused the federal government of using its power as a weapon to intimidate local leaders.
“We should not have to live in a country where people fear that federal law enforcement will be used to play politics or suppress local voices they disagree with,” he said in a statement.
Earlier Tuesday, U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino appeared with ICE Chief Marcos Charles at a press briefing criticizing Minnesota leaders and defending the work of immigration agents.
“These are everyday people doing very hard work, trying to enforce immigration laws in an environment where local and state politicians are spreading rhetoric that dehumanizes these officers and agents,” Charles said.
Protesters in Minnesota lashed out at Immigration and Customs Enforcement after one of their agents fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Macklin Good earlier this month.
“Less than two weeks ago, federal agents shot and killed a Minnesota man in broad daylight,” Ellison said in a statement. “Now, instead of seriously investigating the murder of Renée Good, Trump is weaponizing the justice system against any leader who dares to stand up to him.”
During a White House press briefing on Tuesday, President Trump discussed ICE’s tactics and Good’s shooting.
“They’re going to make mistakes. Sometimes ICE is going to be too hard on someone, or, you know, they’re dealing with tough people,” Trump said. “Are they going to make a mistake sometimes? It can happen. I feel terrible. I felt horrible when I was told that the young lady who was, who had the tragedy. It’s a tragedy. It’s a horrible thing.”
Ellison said the DOJ is requesting records and documents related to his office’s work enforcing federal immigration laws. He noted that this action comes shortly after his office sued the Trump administration over ICE’s tactics in the region.
“Let’s be clear about why this is happening: Donald Trump is going after Minnesotans and I’m standing in his way,” Ellison said. “I will not be intimidated and I will not stop working to protect Minnesotans from Trump’s campaign of retaliation and vengeance.”
NPR reached out to the White House for comment on the DOJ subpoenas, but has not yet received a response.
