DOJ launches investigation into Walz, Frey for allegedly impeding law enforcement
WASHINGTON (TNND) — The Department of Justice (DOJ) reportedly launched an investigation into Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey in response to allegations that they obstructed federal law enforcement operations across the state.
Citing two sources familiar with the case, Fox News broke the story on Friday night.
"Sources said the investigation is in early stages, and it is unclear if it will result in any criminal charges," the media outlet noted.
Walz reacted to the new development, as he took to social media to say President Donald Trump and his administration are "weaponizing the justice system."
"Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic," Walz wrote on X.
"The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her," he added.
Walz’s office said it has not received any notice of an investigation.
Frey also shared his thoughts about the investigation.
"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. I will not be intimidated. My focus remains where it’s always been: keeping our city safe," Frey wrote on X.
"America depends on leaders that use integrity and the rule of law as the guideposts for governance. Neither our city nor our country will succumb to this fear. We stand rock solid," he added.
The probe comes after an ICE agent shot and killed Good during a federal immigration enforcement raid on January 7.
The agent, who has been identified as Jonathan Ross, fired his gun after Good allegedly tried to ram him and other officers with her SUV. Ross reportedly suffered internal bleeding when he was hit by her vehicle.
The incident has sparked protests and political debate amid an ongoing immigration crackdown in Minneapolis and St. Paul, which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has called its largest enforcement operation, resulting in more than 2,500 arrests.
Walz and Frey, who are both Democrats, voiced their approval of protests following Good's death.
In a video shared on YouTube, Walz encouraged his "fellow Minnesotans" to track ICE activities. He said the federal government is causing "chaos and disruption" across the state.
"Help us establish a record of exactly what's been happening in our communities," Walz said in the video, which was posted on Thursday.
You have an absolute right to peacefully film ICE agents as they conduct these activities. So, carry your phone with you at all times. And if you see these ICE agents in your neighborhood, take out that phone and hit record. Help us create a database of the atrocities against Minnesotans -- not just to establish a record for posterity, but to bank evidence for future prosecution," he added.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.
