Walz, Frey reportedly under investigation by U.S. Department of Justice

The Justice Department is investigating whether Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have impeded federal immigration enforcement through public statements they have made, two people familiar with the matter told the Associated Press.

The investigation focused on potential violation of a conspiracy statute, the people said.

An investigation marks a major escalation in the tense relationship between the state and federal officials over the thousands of immigration agents deployed to Minnesota.

Both DFL officials said in statements that they have not received a notice of an investigation by the DOJ, which can be typical when an official is the target of a federal probe. But they were sharply critical and described it as a stunt.

A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment.

Walz in a statement said, “Weaponizing the justice system and threatening political opponents is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic.”

“Two days ago, it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week, it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly,” Walz said. He added that “the only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.”

Frey said an investigation by the Trump administration 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,” he said. “My focus will remain where it’s always been: keeping our city safe.”

Republicans have been critical of the Democratic leaders for encouraging people to protest the federal government’s actions.

Both Walz and Frey have urged peaceful demonstrations. In a primetime address on Jan. 14, Walz urged Minnesotans to “protest loudly, urgently, but also peacefully.” He also said Minnesotans should “peacefully film ICE agents.”

Walz reiterated his past comments again Jan. 16, saying he has “repeatedly, unequivocally, called for peace and a lowering of the temperature,” including in comments made directly to Trump.

“Governor Walz and Mayor Frey have consistently called for calm, peaceful response as ICE continues to conduct chaotic, violent operations in our state,” DFL Party Chair Richard Carlbom said. “Meanwhile, the Trump administration is weaponizing the DOJ to target his political enemies, escalating tensions and abusing its power in a way that puts Minnesotans in danger.”

CBS News first reported the investigation.

The people with knowledge of the investigation spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it.

Mary Fan, a professor at the University of Washington School of Law, said an investigation or subpoenas aren’t indicators that criminal charges are imminent.

Charges similar to the one reportedly being used are sometimes levied against people who resist arrest, she said. But Fan, a former federal prosecutor, said the charge has also been misused against people who are exercising their First Amendment rights, like recording federal law enforcement.