DOJ Investigates Walz and Frey Over Alleged Conspiracy to Interfere With ICE [WATCH]

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating Minnesota officials, including Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, over an alleged conspiracy to impede federal immigration enforcement, according to a report from CBS News citing multiple sources familiar with the matter.

The investigation marks a significant escalation in tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders in Minnesota amid ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the Minneapolis region.

The reported investigation follows public warnings issued earlier this week by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who accused state and local leaders of encouraging resistance to federal immigration enforcement.

Blanche addressed the issue directly in a post on X, sharply criticizing Walz and Frey for their public rhetoric surrounding ICE activity.

“ICE operates in thousands of counties without incident. Men and women doing their jobs, protecting us from criminal aliens,” Blanche wrote.

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“Minnesota insurrection is a direct result of a FAILED governor and a TERRIBLE mayor encouraging violence against law enforcement. It’s disgusting,” he continued.

“Walz and Frey – I’m focused on stopping YOU from your terrorism by whatever means necessary. This is not a threat. It’s a promise,” Blanche added.

ICE operates in thousands of counties without incident. Men and women doing their jobs, protecting us from criminal aliens.

Minnesota insurrection is a direct result of a FAILED governor and a TERRIBLE mayor encouraging violence against law enforcement. It’s disgusting.

Walz… https://t.co/govuUtcDVN

— Todd Blanche (@DAGToddBlanche) January 15, 2026

According to CBS News, the Justice Department inquiry is focused on whether statements made by Walz and Frey amounted to an effort to obstruct or interfere with federal law enforcement.

One U.S. official familiar with the investigation told CBS News that the probe stems from comments made by the two leaders regarding the deployment of thousands of ICE officers and U.S. Border Patrol agents to the Minneapolis area in recent weeks.

The Trump administration has not publicly confirmed the investigation. Federal officials typically do not comment on ongoing inquiries, and no formal charges have been announced.

CBS News reported that multiple sources described the investigation as active and ongoing.

The reported probe comes amid heightened political tension in Minnesota following a series of ICE enforcement actions that drew large protests in Minneapolis.

In public remarks earlier this month, Gov. Walz described the state’s posture toward federal immigration authorities as being “at war” with the federal government, language that drew sharp criticism from administration officials.

Following Blanche’s public warning, both Walz and Frey issued statements that appeared to soften their tone, emphasizing public safety and discouraging violence.

Those remarks came after days of increasingly heated rhetoric surrounding ICE activity in the city.

CBS News reported that Justice Department investigators are examining whether public statements by Minnesota officials could be interpreted as encouraging interference with federal agents or obstructing lawful enforcement operations.

Federal law prohibits efforts to impede or interfere with officers carrying out official duties.

Walz responded publicly to the CBS News report, dismissing the notion that his statements were improper.

The reported investigation also follows a recent ICE-related shooting in Minnesota that has drawn national attention.

Federal officials have not indicated that the shooting is directly connected to the Justice Department’s inquiry into state leadership, and no findings regarding that incident have been released.

ICE operations in Minnesota have continued amid the political dispute.

Federal officials have repeatedly stated that ICE agents are enforcing existing immigration law and carrying out their duties under federal authority.

Administration officials have also emphasized that state and local leaders are prohibited from obstructing those efforts.

Blanche’s comments signaled a more aggressive posture from the Justice Department toward state and local officials accused of interfering with immigration enforcement.

His statement characterized the situation in Minnesota as a direct result of leadership decisions at the state and city level.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether the investigation will result in formal charges or other legal action.

The Justice Department has not disclosed a timeline or scope for the inquiry, and neither Walz nor Frey has been accused of a crime.

The reported probe underscores the broader national conflict over immigration enforcement, particularly in jurisdictions where local leaders have openly criticized or opposed federal operations.

Minnesota now appears to be at the center of that dispute as federal investigators examine whether political rhetoric crossed into unlawful conduct.