DOJ Investigates Walz, Frey Over ICE Criticism Allegations
The Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey regarding allegations they conspired to impede Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations through public statements. Federal prosecutors are examining whether their criticism of the deployment of nearly 3,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents to the region violates 18 U.S.C. § 372, a statute that criminalizes conspiracies to obstruct federal officers through force, intimidation, or threats, according to CBS News sources.
The investigation follows an ICE agent’s fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good, which triggered local protests and confrontations between demonstrators and federal law enforcement. Walz and Frey have publicly stated that the federal operation fuels instability rather than enhancing public safety, with Frey warning the situation was “not sustainable,” while both leaders repeatedly called for peaceful demonstrations.
Public criticism of federal policy typically receives constitutional protection unless prosecutors demonstrate coordination or direct incitement to physically obstruct law enforcement. CBS News noted that the rare statute under review requires evidence of conspiracy to use force, intimidation, or threats—a high legal threshold that distinguishes criminal obstruction from protected speech.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Walz and Frey on social media of “encouraging impeding and assault against our law enforcement,” characterizing their statements as federal felonies. Noem’s public allegation preceded the DOJ inquiry by one day, linking criticism of the federal operation to an incident in which an ICE agent fired a weapon after being attacked by three individuals with snow shovels and broom handles.
A DOJ spokesperson declined to comment on the investigation to CBS News. Trump has previously amplified unfounded conspiracy theories targeting Walz, establishing a pattern of using federal agencies to pursue political opponents.