The U.S. Justice Department has opened an investigation into Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over whether they impeded federal immigration enforcement, according to reporting by the Associated Press. The inquiry comes after the fatal shooting of Renée Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer earlier this month and as state and local officials press for more transparency around the federal investigation into the killing.
Federal prosecutors are examining whether Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey interfered with federal immigration enforcement, the Associated Press reported, citing officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
The reported inquiry follows weeks of heightened tension in Minnesota over stepped-up federal immigration activity and public outrage after Renée Nicole Good was fatally shot on Jan. 7 in Minneapolis by an ICE officer. Local officials and witnesses have disputed federal claims that the officer acted in self-defense, while the federal government has said its investigation is ongoing.
Frey has called for greater transparency and involvement by state investigators. Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said it was initially asked to review the ICE officer’s use of force alongside the FBI, but later withdrew after it said federal authorities reversed course and did not provide full access to evidence and witnesses.
In response to reports of the Justice Department investigation, Walz criticized what he described as a broader pattern of federal scrutiny aimed at political opponents. In a statement quoted by the AP, Walz said: “Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system and threatening political opponents is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic.” Walz’s office also said it had not received formal notice of an investigation.
Frey likewise denounced the reported probe as political intimidation. In a statement cited by the AP, he said: “This 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.”
Beyond the Justice Department inquiry, the killing of Good has become a flashpoint in Minnesota’s debate over federal immigration tactics and the scope of federal law enforcement activity in the state. The FBI has said it is investigating the shooting, and state and local officials have continued to press for an accounting of what happened and who will review the evidence.
