Name: DOJ investigating Walz and Frey over alleged obstruction
Uploaded: 2026-01-17T15:48:55.181Z
Duration: 2 min 33 s
Description: The Justice Department is investigating Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over alleged obstruction of immigration operations in the state, sources say.

The Justice Department is investigating Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over alleged obstruction of immigration operations in the state, sources say.

Minneapolis

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry, focusing on whether their public statements obstructed federal immigration enforcement. Both officials have publicly criticized recent ICE operations in Minneapolis, which have drawn controversy and led to protests following the killing of Rene Good by an ICE agent.

The investigation has sparked political debate, with both Waltz and Fry denouncing the probe as politically motivated. Meanwhile, a federal judge has issued an order restricting immigration agents in Minnesota from arresting or using nonlethal force against peaceful protesters, as concerns grow over law enforcement tactics and reports of American citizens being detained.

DOJ investigating Walz and Frey over alleged obstruction

CBS News has learned this investigation focuses on whether Waltz or Fry have impeded federal immigration action through public statements they've made. Armed, masked, under-trained ICE agents are going door to door ordering people to point out where their neighbors of color live. In a statewide address Wednesday night, Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz criticized the federal immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. And if you see these ICE agents in your neighborhood, take out that phone and hit record. On Friday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry called the operation an invasion. What we're seeing on our streets is unnecessary abuses of force. Now both Democrats are under federal investigation. Multiple sources familiar with the matter tell CBS News the probe stems from statements Waltz and Fry have made about the immigration action. In response, both men took to social media with Waltz posting, weaponizing the justice system against your opponent is an authoritarian tactic. And Fry writing, I will not be intimidated. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared to hint at the investigation earlier this week with a post saying, Waltz and Fry, I'm focused on stopping you from your terrorism by whatever means necessary. This is not a threat. It's a promise. Protests have increasingly turned violent since the killing of Rene Good by an ICE agent earlier this month. Law enforcement breaking up crowds with tear gas and pepper balls, putting some Minnesota residents on edge. People refusing to come out the house. The chairman of Minnesota's Republican Party, Alex Plekisch, is criticizing Waltz and Fry's handling of this situation. In the past where the governor or the mayor have said that they support law enforcement in the performance of their duties, but they don't seem to be enforcing law enforcement when the feds come in and do it. I think it's it's ironic and hypocritical. But he's also concerned about reports American citizens have been rounded up by ICE. I feel for the people that feel fearful that are legitimate citizens. That's not right. If they if they have fears like that and they're legitimate, they're here legitimately. They shouldn't be made to fear. But if they're feeling that, then we should do something about that. Last night, a federal judge issued a ruling blocking immigration agents deployed in Minnesota from arresting or using tear gas, pepper spray or other nonlethal munitions against peaceful protesters.

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