Minneapolis Mayor Denies DOJ Probe as Intimidation Amid ICE Raids

US Justice Department Opens Investigations into Minnesota Officials

The United States Justice Department has launched criminal investigations into Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, according to reports from multiple media outlets. The investigations were sparked by public statements made by the officials in an effort to curb violent immigration raids in their city.

Frey and Walz are being investigated for allegedly impeding federal law enforcement through their comments. The investigation was first reported by CBS News, although it has not been publicly confirmed by the Justice Department.

In response to the reports, Frey stated that he would “not be intimidated” and reiterated his focus on keeping Minneapolis safe. Governor Walz released a statement saying that using the justice system as a tool for intimidation is a “dangerous, authoritarian tactic.”

The Trump administration has also launched investigations into other officials, including US senators Kelly and Slotkin, who appeared in a video urging military personnel to resist “illegal orders.” Additionally, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is under investigation.

Separately, details have emerged about the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer. Fire department records show that paramedics found her unresponsive with apparent gunshot wounds before attempting to revive her. The Trump administration has claimed that the officer acted in self-defense.

Source: Al Jazeera