On January 20, 2026, the U.S. Justice Department served federal grand jury subpoenas on six state and local offices in Minnesota, including those of Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The move comes amid public opposition to President Donald Trumps immigration enforcement surge in the Twin Cities.
The Clash Over Enforcement
Since late 2025, the Trump administration has deployed over 2,000 Border Patrol and ICE agents to the Twin Cities, conducting unprecedented deportation roundups in snowy streets. Armed agents in camouflage and tactical gear have sparked protests drawing hundreds of residents.
Local Officials Push Back
Governor Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey have condemned the operations as "reckless political theater," warning they put communities at risk. Walz has encouraged residents to record interactions with agents, while Frey shared a subpoena demanding records on "cooperation or lack of cooperation with federal immigration authorities" since the start of 2025.
A Community in Action
Protests have intensified after the fatal shooting of Renee Good nearly two weeks ago. Residents across demographic lines have voiced outrage over reported racial profiling and the use of tear gas against peaceful demonstrators.
The Bigger Picture
It would be highly unusual for federal prosecutors to base a criminal conspiracy case on public officials' statements. Yet this standoff in Minnesota echoes a global debate on migration policy: how far should national governments go, and what authority do city leaders hold in defending their communities?
From Berlin to Bangalore, local leaders are challenging national governments on immigration, highlighting a universal tension between local autonomy and federal power.
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Minnesota leaders subpoenaed over opposition to immigration crackdown
cgtn.com
