Investigation Launched Against Minnesota Leaders Over Allegations of ICE Interference

Sat Jan 17 2026 05:34:08 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The U.S. Justice Department investigates Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly obstructing federal immigration agents in connection with a tragic shooting incident that has sparked protests.

A Justice Department inquiry targets Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for potential obstruction of ICE officials. This follows the shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an ICE agent, igniting protests and raising questions about federal immigration policies. Local Democratic leaders criticize the federal response, calling for peaceful protests and demanding accountability for the shooting. Walz condemned the investigation as a political maneuver, indicating a clash between state and federal authorities amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration issues.

The U.S. justice department is investigating two prominent Minnesota officials over alleged attempts to impede federal immigration agents, in an escalation of the Trump administration's clash with Democrats.

Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey are facing an inquiry over statements they have made about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), reports CBS.

This comes as fresh details emerged in the death of a Minneapolis woman shot last week by an ICE agent in the city, sparking nationwide protests.

Renee Good, 37, was found with at least three gunshot wounds and possibly a fourth to the head, according to official reports viewed by CBS.

Governor Walz responded on Friday to news of the inquiry against him by posting on X: Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic. The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.

Protests continued in Minneapolis on Friday after new details about the shooting death of Good, and local officials appealed for calm over the public holiday weekend.

The inquiry centers around 18 U.S.C. § 372, which makes it a crime for two or more people to conspire to prevent federal officers from carrying out their official duties through force, intimidation or threats. The Washington Post has reported that subpoenas have been issued to Walz and Frey.

Democratic lawmakers have condemned federal immigration operations in the state, accusing ICE of reckless actions, and local officials demand accountability and reform.