Case: DOJ Investigation Tim Walz and Jacob Frey

On January 20, 2026, as reported by national media outlets such as NPR, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued grand jury subpoenas to government officials in Minnesota, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Mayor Frey's subpoena also included a summons, ordering his appearance in the U.S. District Court in Minneapolis on February 3, 2026.

In a statement to the press, Mayor Frey accused the federal government of weaponizing its power to "intimidate local leaders." Another subpoena recipient, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, reported that the subpoena they received was  "for records and documents, not for me personally."

This federal investigation began after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer, but prior to the second fatal shooting committed by an ICE officer that killed Alex Pretti. The investigation centers on an alleged violation of 18 U.S.C. § 372, a statute created during the Civil War era that prohibits conspiracies to use “force, intimidation, or threat” to prevent a federal officer from carrying out their duties.

These claims seem to be based on statements made by Walz and Frey criticizing the violent and intrusive tactics used by federal ICE agents throughout "Operation Metro Surge," as well as their subsequent court filings to hold federal agents accountable for wrongdoing.