Justice Department subpoenas Walz and others in immigration enforcement obstruction investigation

"MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Federal prosecutors served six grand jury subpoenas Tuesday to Minnesota officials as part of an investigation into whether they obstructed or impeded federal law enforcement during a sweeping immigration operation in Minneapolis-St. Paul area, a person familiar with the matter said. The subpoenas, which seek records, were sent to the offices of Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and officials in Ramsey and Hennepin counties, the person said."

"The subpoenas are related to an investigation into whether Minnesota officials obstructed federal immigration enforcement through public statements they made, two people familiar with the matter said on Friday. They said then it was focused on the potential violation of a conspiracy statute. Walz and Frey, both Democrats, have called the probe a bullying tactic meant to quell political opposition. Frey's office was ordered to produce a long list of records to a grand jury on Feb. 3, including "cooperation or lack of cooperation with federal law enforcement" and "any records tending to show a refusal to come to the aid of immigration officials." "We shouldn't have to live in a country where people fear that federal law enforcement will be used to play politics or crack down on local voices they disagree with," Frey said."

Federal prosecutors issued six grand jury subpoenas seeking records from Minnesota state and local officials connected to a large immigration operation in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area. The subpoenas were sent to the offices of Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, and officials in Ramsey and Hennepin counties. Investigators are examining whether public statements and actions by officials obstructed or impeded federal immigration enforcement, including potential conspiracy charges. Targeted offices were ordered to produce detailed records about cooperation with federal law enforcement and any refusal to aid immigration officials. Local leaders have criticized the probe as political pressure and defended their communities.

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