US Justice Department Investigates Minnesota Democrats Over Alleged Interference With ICE
The US Justice Department is investigating two leading Minnesota Democrats over allegations they tried to obstruct federal immigration enforcement operations, escalating tensions between the Trump administration and state leaders. According to CBS News, the inquiry involves Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, following public comments they made about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The investigation comes at a time of growing unrest in Minneapolis, where protests have increased after Renee Good, a 37-year-old local woman, was shot and killed by an ICE agent last week. A federal judge has also placed new restrictions on how ICE and other federal officers can respond to demonstrators, including a ban on using pepper spray and limits on arrests of peaceful protesters.
Governor Walz reacted to news of the inquiry by accusing the administration of targeting political opponents, saying the justice system was being used as a tool for intimidation. Mayor Frey also rejected the move, stating he would not be pressured into silence and describing the investigation as an effort to punish him for defending the city and its residents.
The inquiry is reportedly focused on a federal law that makes it a crime for two or more people to conspire to stop federal officials from carrying out their duties through force, intimidation, or threats. Trump administration officials have criticized Walz for past rhetoric, including comparing ICE to the Gestapo, while Frey has openly demanded that immigration agents leave Minneapolis.
Meanwhile, US District Judge Katherine Menendez issued an 83-page order limiting federal enforcement tactics during the protests. The ruling blocks federal agents from using non-lethal force against peaceful demonstrators and restricts vehicle stops unless there is clear suspicion that someone is actively interfering with law enforcement operations.
New details about Renee Good’s death were also reported by CBS News, which reviewed official emergency response records. The reports indicated that paramedics found Good suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to her chest, arm, and possibly her head. She was pronounced dead while being transported to hospital.
The Trump administration has claimed Good was obstructing agents and attempted to harm an officer with her vehicle before the shooting occurred. Local officials, however, have argued that Good was acting as a legal observer and did not pose a threat. Video footage of the incident reportedly shows agents approaching her vehicle and firing as she attempted to drive away.
Although the FBI is investigating the shooting, local authorities have said they have limited access to the inquiry, and there has been no federal civil rights investigation announced into the agent’s actions. At the same time, federal officials say the officer involved was injured and suffered internal bleeding after the incident.
President Trump has continued criticizing the protests and the city’s leadership, describing demonstrators as organized and accusing local officials of losing control. However, he later said he did not currently plan to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy troops to Minnesota, even after suggesting earlier that he might consider doing so.
Democratic lawmakers held hearings and press events in Minnesota, condemning federal immigration actions and accusing ICE of reckless behavior. Several lawmakers argued for tighter accountability measures, including requiring body cameras, visible identification, and restrictions on masked enforcement operations. Some residents also alleged they were detained for hours during immigration enforcement actions until they could prove their US citizenship.
Federal officials defended their actions, saying officers may question people near enforcement operations if there is reasonable suspicion, and denied accusations of discriminatory practices.
