DOJ Hits Minnesota Democrats With Grand Jury Subpoenas Over ICE Obstruction

The Department of Justice has escalated its investigation into efforts by Minnesota Democrats to interfere with federal immigration enforcement, serving a wave of grand jury subpoenas tied to ongoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the Twin Cities.

Federal prosecutors issued subpoenas Tuesday to five Minnesota government offices, including the offices of Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. The subpoenas were delivered by the FBI and seek internal records, communications, and coordination related to ICE activity and public messaging surrounding recent enforcement actions according to Fox News.

Federal prosecutors were examining whether state and local officials crossed legal lines by allegedly encouraging actions that could coerce, obstruct, or intimidate federal law enforcement officers during ICE operations. The probe centers on rhetoric and directives issued amid a surge in enforcement activity across the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox that comments from Walz and Frey placed them dangerously close to criminal exposure.

“When the governor or the mayor threaten our officers, when the mayor suggests that he’s encouraging citizens to call 911 when they see ICE officers, that is very close to a federal crime,” Blanche said.

WATCH:

“When the Governor or the Mayor threaten our officers, when the Mayor suggests that he’s encouraging citizens to call 911 when they see ICE officers, that is very close to a federal crime,” says @DAGToddBlanche.

“If you impede the work we’re doing… We’re coming after you.” pic.twitter.com/i7O1vtVq2S

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 17, 2026

Walz responded on social media by accusing the Trump administration of targeting political opponents, calling the investigation an abuse of power. Frey struck a similar tone, claiming the subpoenas were meant to intimidate him and insisting he would not change course.

Federal officials, however, argue the investigation is rooted in public safety concerns and lawful enforcement authority. The White House has accused Walz and Frey of inflaming tensions during a volatile period marked by protests, unrest, and confrontations with federal agents.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said the rhetoric coming from Minnesota’s leadership has fueled chaos on the ground.

“There is no low these radical leftists won’t stoop to,” Jackson told Fox News Digital. “Jacob Frey and Tim Walz have whipped these rioters into a frenzy and turned them loose to wreak havoc on Minneapolis.”

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA 12.12.25 Hundreds of people gather to protest against ICE raids, Trump and other political views during a cold day in Minnesota

The investigation follows weeks of unrest tied to intensified ICE activity in Minnesota. Federal officials say the operations are focused on removing individuals in the country illegally, including those with criminal histories.

That incident sparked demonstrations across Minneapolis and St. Paul, with activists demanding accountability and local officials publicly condemning federal enforcement actions. Tensions escalated further after reports that federal agents entered a St. Paul home without a warrant and briefly detained a U.S. citizen after a case of mistaken identity.

The unrest spilled into churches as well. On Sunday, dozens of anti-ICE agitators stormed a church sanctuary in St. Paul during services, disrupting worship after claiming the pastor was connected to ICE. Justice Department officials announced they are investigating the incident for potential federal civil rights violations.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said the DOJ is probing whether protesters violated federal laws protecting religious worship. The issuance of grand jury subpoenas signals the investigation is moving into a more aggressive phase, with potential legal consequences still very much on the table.