The Department of Justice (DOJ) has opened a criminal investigation into Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) following days of explosive anti-ICE protests that spiraled into violence after a fatal shooting involving a federal immigration agent.
Multiple U.S. officials confirmed that the probe is focused on whether Walz and Frey impeded or interfered with federal law enforcement operations during the unrest.
The investigation was first reported by CBS News and centers on the pair’s public rhetoric and actions directed at ICE agents operating in Minneapolis.
Attorney General Pam Bondi signaled the seriousness of the situation late Friday, posting a blunt warning on social media.
“A reminder to all those in Minnesota: No one is above the law,” Bondi wrote.
The investigation follows days of escalating protests after ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good during an enforcement operation.
Federal officials say Good attempted to use her vehicle to strike agents after blocking traffic during a protest.
Walz and Frey have repeatedly attacked ICE in public statements since the shooting, accusing federal authorities of “creating chaos” and demanding that agents leave the city.
Those remarks, according to a U.S. official, helped trigger the Justice Department’s probe.
Walz denied wrongdoing and accused the Trump administration of weaponizing the justice system against political opponents. He claimed the investigation fits a broader pattern of retaliation against Democrats who oppose the president’s immigration agenda.
Mayor Frey also pushed back aggressively, saying he would not be intimidated. He accused the administration of endangering Minneapolis residents and blamed the presence of thousands of federal agents for escalating tensions in the city.
President Donald Trump responded by blasting Minnesota’s leadership on Truth Social. He accused Walz and Frey of losing control and suggested federal intervention may be imminent, according to the Daily Mail.
Trump warned that if he is forced to act, the situation would be resolved “quickly and effectively.”
The unrest intensified later in the week when a second ICE-related shooting occurred during an attempted arrest of an illegal migrant from Venezuela. Federal officials said the agent was ambushed and assaulted with blunt objects before firing a defensive shot.
Protests outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building turned violent, with demonstrators throwing fireworks, snowballs, and projectiles at officers. Federal agents responded with tear gas and flash bangs as police declared an unlawful assembly.
Homeland Security officials accused Walz and Frey of actively encouraging resistance to ICE. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said their rhetoric was putting agents’ lives at risk and fueling organized opposition to federal law enforcement.
ICE officials revealed that at least 60 individuals have been arrested in Minnesota over the last five days for assaulting or obstructing federal agents. They also warned that assaults on officers nationwide have surged by more than 1,000 percent.
Walz urged calm while acknowledging public anger, insisting Minnesota would not descend into violence. Frey echoed that message while continuing to demand the removal of ICE from the city.
The Justice Department has not publicly detailed potential charges, but legal experts say the investigation could focus on obstruction, incitement, or interference with federal operations.
