By Micah Jonah
January 21, 2026
The United States Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the conduct of senior Minnesota state and city officials following ongoing federal immigration enforcement operations in the state.
Those under review include Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, according to officials and media reports. The inquiry is examining whether any actions by state authorities interfered with federal immigration officers in the execution of their duties.
The investigation follows a lawsuit filed last week by Minnesota officials against the federal government over immigration raids carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection officers in Minneapolis and St Paul.
Reports say the Justice Department is reviewing whether there was any coordinated effort by state officials to obstruct federal enforcement operations. Subpoenas have been issued requesting records and documents related to interactions between state offices and federal immigration agencies.
Attorney General Ellison confirmed that his office received a subpoena requesting documents connected to immigration enforcement activities. He said the order was directed at his office and not at him personally and described the timing as unusual given the ongoing legal action against federal agencies.
Governor Walz acknowledged the federal investigation and criticized it as politically motivated, arguing that state leaders were calling for accountability following violence linked to the enforcement operations.
The immigration campaign in Minnesota escalated in December when thousands of federal officers were deployed to the Twin Cities as part of a nationwide crackdown on undocumented migrants in cities led by opposition party officials.
Public attention intensified in early January after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot Renee Good, a United States citizen who was observing a raid. The Justice Department has not opened a criminal investigation into the shooting, despite widespread calls from community groups and state leaders.
Mayor Frey described the subpoenas as an attempt to pressure local authorities. His office released portions of the subpoena which request any records showing refusal to assist federal immigration officers.
The materials will be reviewed by a grand jury scheduled to meet on February 3 to determine whether sufficient grounds exist for further legal action.
Meanwhile, federal authorities have continued preparations to maintain order amid public protests. Reports indicate that contingency plans include possible deployment of active duty military personnel should unrest escalate, under authorities provided by federal law.
Federal officials have said the immigration operations are aimed at enforcing national laws, maintaining border security, while state leaders maintain that enforcement actions must comply with constitutional protections and public safety standards.
The legal, political confrontation is expected to continue as courts review the state lawsuit and the Justice Department completes its assessment of the conduct of Minnesota officials.
