Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has vowed to stand firm against intimidation following reports that the Trump administration is investigating him over his comments regarding immigration enforcement in the city. The alleged probe comes as part of a broader crackdown by federal authorities, particularly U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which has drawn national attention due to violent encounters in Minneapolis.

DOJ Investigation Targets Top Minnesota Democrats

Multiple news outlets reported on Friday that the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a criminal investigation into Mayor Jacob Frey. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a prominent Democratic figure and former 2024 vice-presidential candidate, is reportedly under scrutiny as well. The probe is said to examine whether the two officials impeded federal law enforcement through public statements.

The news was first reported by CBS News, although the DOJ has not publicly confirmed the investigation.

Mayor Frey Responds: “I Will Not Be Intimidated”

Mayor Frey took to social media platform X to respond to the reports, describing the alleged investigation as an attempt to intimidate local leadership.

“This is an obvious attempt to intimidate me for standing up for Minneapolis, local law enforcement, and residents against the chaos and danger this Administration has brought to our city,” Frey wrote.
“I will not be intimidated. My focus remains where it’s always been: keeping our city safe.”

Frey’s statement comes amid heightened tensions in Minneapolis, where ICE raids have resulted in violent incidents, including the fatal shooting of a local resident.

Governor Walz Criticizes “Weaponization” of Justice

Governor Tim Walz responded indirectly to reports of his involvement in the investigation, warning against the use of the justice system for political purposes.

“Weaponising the justice system and threatening political opponents is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic,” Walz stated.

Walz also referenced similar actions against other Democratic officials, including Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, both of whom faced federal scrutiny after advocating for military members to resist illegal orders. The Trump administration has additionally investigated Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, marking an unprecedented first for a sitting Fed chair.

Context: Minneapolis ICE Violence

The DOJ investigation news coincides with further details emerging about the fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good by ICE officer Jonathan Ross. According to fire department reports, paramedics found Good unresponsive in her car with four gunshot wounds, including shots to her head and chest. Despite emergency efforts, she was pronounced dead less than an hour after being shot.

The Trump administration has defended the ICE officer, claiming he acted in self-defense. Top officials, including Vice President JD Vance and adviser Stephen Miller, have publicly stated that ICE officers have absolute immunity for their actions, a claim that has sparked debate and concern among civil rights advocates.

National Debate Over Immigration Enforcement Intensifies

The investigation into Frey and Walz adds to a growing national conversation over the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement. Minneapolis has become a focal point in this debate due to the city’s recent ICE raids, which critics say have escalated tensions and put residents at risk.

With both local and federal officials now under scrutiny, Minneapolis remains a flashpoint for discussions about law enforcement, federal authority, and political accountability.