Daijiworld Media Network - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, Jan 17: Federal authorities have launched an investigation into Minnesota governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over allegations that they hindered federal immigration enforcement activities in the state, according to multiple reports.

US deputy attorney general Todd Blanche indicated that public statements made by the two Democratic leaders against the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may have crossed a legal line. He suggested that comments perceived as threatening or obstructive toward federal officers could amount to a federal offense.

Blanche was quoted as saying that when elected officials issue remarks that appear to endanger federal agents or encourage public interference with ICE operations, such actions come dangerously close to criminal conduct. He specifically referenced comments attributed to mayor Frey, in which residents were allegedly urged to call emergency services upon spotting ICE officers.

Sources familiar with the development confirmed that an inquiry is underway, though they stressed that it remains at a preliminary stage. It is still unclear whether the investigation will culminate in criminal charges. Details of the probe have not been officially disclosed, Xinhua news agency reported, citing Fox News.

Separately, The Hill reported that the US Department of Justice (DOJ) issued subpoenas on Friday to both Walz and Frey, accusing them of interfering with the ability of federal law enforcement officers to perform their duties.

Responding to the investigation, governor Walz accused the federal government of politicising the justice system. In a statement, he argued that the probe was part of a broader pattern of targeting political figures, warning that such actions reflected authoritarian tendencies.

Walz also pointed to what he described as selective accountability, alleging that no action had been taken against the federal agent involved in the fatal shooting of Renee Good.

The investigation comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions following a recent immigration enforcement drive in Minnesota. On January 7, Renee Good, a 37-year-old US citizen, was shot dead by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during an operation in Minneapolis.

Her death triggered widespread protests across the country over the weekend. In the aftermath, both governor Walz and Mayor Frey publicly urged ICE to halt raids in Minneapolis and St. Paul, cities where approximately 2,500 arrests have reportedly been made as of Friday.