Minnesota’s Top Democrats Under Federal Scrutiny in Probe Over Alleged Conspiracy to Obstruct Immigration Operations

Minnesota’s top Democratic officials are now under federal scrutiny following a Justice Department investigation that alleges Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey conspired to obstruct federal immigration agents.

The probe marks a dramatic escalation in President Donald Trump’s ongoing confrontation with blue-state leaders, according to reports.

A source described the inquiry as stemming from public statements by Walz and Frey regarding the thousands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and Border Patrol agents deployed to Minneapolis in recent weeks.

Nearly 3,000 federal immigration agents have been dispatched to the region, with officials stating their objective is to arrest individuals suspected of being in the U.S. illegally and investigate allegations of fraud in Minnesota.

The Department of Homeland Security has characterized this deployment as its largest operation in history.

The large-scale presence of federal agents has sparked backlash in the Twin Cities, with protests and clashes escalating after the killing of Minnesota resident Renee Good by an ICE officer last week.

Both Walz and Frey, Democrats, have criticized the federal deployment, accusing agents of creating chaos and undermining public safety through aggressive tactics.

Earlier this week, Frey stated that the federal operation had created a situation that was “not sustainable.” He added that residents are asking the limited number of local police officers to confront ICE agents on the streets.

Frey emphasized that the country cannot be in a place where two governmental entities are literally fighting one another.

Walz urged Minnesotans not to “fan the flames of chaos” on social media platforms.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared to reference the matter in a recent X post, writing: “Walz and Frey—I’m focused on stopping YOU from your terrorism by whatever means necessary.”

Blanche added that this statement was “not a threat. It’s a promise.”

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated Thursday that Walz and Frey need to get their city under control, accusing them of encouraging assaults on federal law enforcement—felonies.

Noem argued that the two Democrats’ rhetoric has undermined trust in law enforcement and emboldened protesters.

The investigation is centered on 18 U.S.C. § 372, a federal statute that criminalizes conspiring to prevent federal officers from carrying out their duties through force, intimidation, or threats.

This statute has historically been used in cases involving coordinated efforts to obstruct federal officials through violence or threats.

Public criticism of federal policy is generally protected speech unless it crosses into direct coordination or incitement to obstruct law enforcement.