🔍 The U.S. Department of Justice this week issued federal grand jury subpoenas to Minnesota's governor, attorney general, and the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Officials are asked to hand over documents detailing "cooperation or lack of cooperation with federal immigration authorities" since early 2025.
Mayor Jacob Frey shared one subpoena that demands records from his office. It arrives amid President Donald Trump's deployment of Border Patrol and ICE agents into the Twin Cities — a controversial surge that began in recent weeks and has sparked tense encounters in snowy streets.
Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison, both Democrats, joined Frey in publicly denouncing the operation as reckless political theater. They say it puts residents at risk and stokes chaos. Walz even encouraged citizens to record any ICE interactions to build evidence of potential misconduct.
The Trump administration accuses state and local leaders of colluding with anti-government agitators to disrupt enforcement. Officials deny these claims. Tensions escalated when an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good, a local woman, nearly two weeks ago.
Protests have followed, some met with tear gas and harsh tactics. Many residents, including Black, Latino, and Asian community members, have spoken out against racial profiling and wrongful arrests.
Legal experts say it's rare to pursue a conspiracy case against public officials based on policy opposition. Still, the DOJ's subpoenas and an ongoing investigation mark an unusual step that critics call a political weaponization of justice.
As grand juries weigh the evidence, all eyes are on Minnesota. Will this move chill local dissent or fuel further protests? Stay tuned. ✊
Reference(s):
Minnesota leaders subpoenaed over opposition to immigration crackdown
cgtn.com
