Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is seen on Friday, January 16, 2026 in Minneapolis.
Adam Gray/AP
hide title
toggle title
Adam Gray/AP
The Justice Department has issued grand jury subpoenas to multiple government officials in Minnesota, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, expanding the agency’s investigation that alleges Minnesota officials conspired to impede law enforcement amid the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her have also been subpoenaed. NPR has not yet confirmed reports that other state and local leaders have also received subpoenas.
Frey’s subpoena requires him to appear in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis on Feb. 3. The mayor accused the federal government of using its power as a weapon to intimidate local leaders.
“We should not have to live in a country where people fear federal authorities will be used to play politics or suppress local voices they disagree with,” he said in a statement.
Earlier Tuesday, U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino appeared with ICE leader Marcos Charles at a news conference in which he criticized Minnesota leaders and defended the work of immigration agents.
“These are regular people doing a very hard job, trying to enforce immigration laws in an environment where local and state politicians have been spreading rhetoric that dehumanizes these officers and agents,” Charles said.
Protesters in Minnesota rioted against Immigration and Customs Enforcement after one of its agents shot and killed Renee Macklin Good, 37, earlier this month.
“Less than two weeks ago, federal agents shot and killed a Minnesotan in broad daylight,” Ellison said in a statement. “Now, instead of seriously investigating the murder of Renee Good, Trump is using the justice system as a weapon against any leader who dares to stand up to him.”
During a White House press conference on Tuesday, President Trump spoke about ICE tactics and the Good shooting.
“They’re going to make mistakes. Sometimes ICE is going to be too hard on someone or, you know, they’re dealing with tough people,” Trump said. “Are they going to make a mistake sometimes? It can happen. I feel terrible. I felt horrible when they told me that the young woman who was there, who had the tragedy. It’s a tragedy. It’s something horrible.”
Ellison said the Justice Department is requesting records and documents related to his office’s work regarding federal immigration enforcement. He noted that this action comes shortly after his office sued the Trump administration over ICE tactics in the region.
“Let’s be clear about why this is happening: Donald Trump is coming after the people of Minnesota and I’m standing in his way,” Ellison said. “I will not be intimidated and I will not stop working to protect Minnesotans from Trump’s campaign of retaliation and revenge.”
NPR reached out to the White House for comment on the Justice Department subpoenas but has not yet received a response.