WASHINGTON, DC – The Justice Department has reportedly opened an investigation into Minnesota officials like Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over an alleged conspiracy to impede federal immigration authorities from conducting operations within the state, according to reports.
A January 17th report from CBS News claims that “multiple sources” have revealed to the outlet that the Justice Department is actively investigating officials within Minnesota over a potential conspiracy to impede federal immigration authorities from carrying out their duties.
It’s hardly a secret that officials within Minnesota harbor a collective disdain for the ongoing immigration enforcement efforts within the state, with various officials having made numerous public statements condemning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. However, it seems Justice Department officials reportedly suspect more could be at play than the mere inflammatory statements made by individuals like Governor Walz and Mayor Frey regarding the federal agency.
A spokesperson for the Justice Department declined to comment on the alleged investigation, but a January 14th post to social media by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche that called out Governor Walz and Mayor Frey seemingly inferred that an investigation could be on the table.
“ICE operates in thousands of counties without incident. Men and women doing their jobs, protecting us from criminal aliens,” Blanche’s post reads, adding, “Minnesota insurrection is a direct result of a FAILED governor and a TERRIBLE mayor encouraging violence against law enforcement. It’s disgusting. Walz and Frey - I’m focused on stopping YOU from your terrorism by whatever means necessary. This is not a threat. It’s a promise.”
Sources familiar with the alleged investigation say Justice Department officials are examining whether Minnesota officials may’ve violated 18 U.S.C. § 372, which prohibits two or more persons to “conspire to prevent, by force, intimidation, or threat” any federal officer or agent from executing their duties.
Mayor Frey shared a statement over the alleged Justice Department probe, calling the matter an “attempt to intimidate” him for actions he believes were simply in line with standing in solidarity with the community while being critical of the Trump administration.
“This is an obvious attempt to intimidate me for standing up for Minneapolis, our local law enforcement, and our residents against the chaos and danger this Administration has brought to our streets. I will not be intimidated. My focus will remain where it's always been: keeping our city safe,” Mayor Frey emphasized in his statement.
Governor Walz also issued a statement pertaining to the alleged Justice Department investigation, claiming the move would be akin to an “authoritarian tactic” while also diverting to the recent shooting of Renee Good.
“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. The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her,” Governor Walz said on the matter.
A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 372 could result in an individual being sentenced to 6 years in federal prison, along with fines of up to $5,000.
A January 17th report from CBS News claims that “multiple sources” have revealed to the outlet that the Justice Department is actively investigating officials within Minnesota over a potential conspiracy to impede federal immigration authorities from carrying out their duties.
It’s hardly a secret that officials within Minnesota harbor a collective disdain for the ongoing immigration enforcement efforts within the state, with various officials having made numerous public statements condemning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. However, it seems Justice Department officials reportedly suspect more could be at play than the mere inflammatory statements made by individuals like Governor Walz and Mayor Frey regarding the federal agency.
A spokesperson for the Justice Department declined to comment on the alleged investigation, but a January 14th post to social media by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche that called out Governor Walz and Mayor Frey seemingly inferred that an investigation could be on the table.
“ICE operates in thousands of counties without incident. Men and women doing their jobs, protecting us from criminal aliens,” Blanche’s post reads, adding, “Minnesota insurrection is a direct result of a FAILED governor and a TERRIBLE mayor encouraging violence against law enforcement. It’s disgusting. Walz and Frey - I’m focused on stopping YOU from your terrorism by whatever means necessary. This is not a threat. It’s a promise.”
Sources familiar with the alleged investigation say Justice Department officials are examining whether Minnesota officials may’ve violated 18 U.S.C. § 372, which prohibits two or more persons to “conspire to prevent, by force, intimidation, or threat” any federal officer or agent from executing their duties.
Mayor Frey shared a statement over the alleged Justice Department probe, calling the matter an “attempt to intimidate” him for actions he believes were simply in line with standing in solidarity with the community while being critical of the Trump administration.
“This is an obvious attempt to intimidate me for standing up for Minneapolis, our local law enforcement, and our residents against the chaos and danger this Administration has brought to our streets. I will not be intimidated. My focus will remain where it's always been: keeping our city safe,” Mayor Frey emphasized in his statement.
Governor Walz also issued a statement pertaining to the alleged Justice Department investigation, claiming the move would be akin to an “authoritarian tactic” while also diverting to the recent shooting of Renee Good.
“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. The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her,” Governor Walz said on the matter.
A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 372 could result in an individual being sentenced to 6 years in federal prison, along with fines of up to $5,000.
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