We turn back in Minnesota, where the U.S. Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey unlawfully interfered with federal immigration enforcement — a move that comes amid escalating tensions, mass arrests, and deadly violence tied to one of the largest immigration crackdowns in recent years.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the Justice Department is examining whether public statements made by Governor Walz and Mayor Frey may have impeded federal immigration operations, potentially violating a federal conspiracy statute. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitivity of an ongoing investigation. CBS News was first to report the inquiry.
Both Walz and Frey strongly deny wrongdoing, calling the investigation politically motivated. In a statement, Governor Walz accused the federal government of weaponizing the justice system, warning that targeting political opponents sets a dangerous precedent. Mayor Frey echoed that sentiment, saying the probe appears designed to intimidate him for defending Minneapolis residents and local law enforcement amid what he described as chaos brought on by federal actions.
The investigation unfolds during a sweeping immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Department of Homeland Security says more than 2,500 people have been arrested in what it calls its largest recent operation. But tensions have sharply intensified since the January 7th fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good during an ICE encounter.
Since that incident, federal agents have increasingly carried out arrests in homes and vehicles, often facing angry crowds demanding they leave. State and city officials have repeatedly urged protesters to remain peaceful, even as demonstrations grow more frequent.
Attorney General Pam Bondi weighed in on social media following reports of the investigation, posting, “No one is above the law.” She did not directly reference Walz or Frey. Meanwhile, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis has declined to comment.
As protests are expected to continue this weekend, Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety issued a warning, emphasizing that while peaceful protest is protected, violence, property damage, or threats to public safety will not be tolerated.
This comes as President Donald Trump backed away from an earlier threat to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act to deploy troops. On Friday, a federal judge also ruled that officers involved in the Minnesota immigration operation cannot detain or use force against peaceful protesters who are not obstructing enforcement activities. The case was brought by the ACLU of Minnesota on behalf of six activists.
Meanwhile, concerns over detainee treatment persist. A Liberian man, Garrison Gibson, was released for the second time in less than 24 hours after a judge ruled his arrest unlawful. Gibson, who has lived in the U.S. under an order of supervision, was initially detained after agents forced entry into his home. His attorney says ICE is now attempting to reprocess the case under proper procedures.
New details have also emerged about the death of Renee Good. Minneapolis authorities released 911 transcripts in which a caller described Good being shot at point-blank range inside her vehicle. Video shows an ICE officer firing as Good’s SUV moved forward. The Department of Homeland Security maintains the agent acted in self-defense.
As federal investigations expand and public scrutiny intensifies, Minnesota now finds itself at the center of a growing national debate over immigration enforcement, civil liberties, and the limits of federal power.
We will continue to follow this developing story.
Reporting by Kathy Moore.
