The U.S. Justice Department is investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both Democrats, over allegations they obstructed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The inquiry, reported by CBS News, the BBC's U.S. partner, focuses on statements the officials made regarding ICE activities.
The investigation coincides with increased scrutiny following the death of Renee Good, 37, who was shot in Minneapolis last week by an ICE agent. Reports viewed by CBS News indicate Good sustained at least three gunshot wounds and possibly a fourth to the head.
Walz responded to the inquiry via a post on X, stating, "Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic." He further implied that the focus should be on the circumstances surrounding Good's death.
The Justice Department's investigation represents an escalation in the tension between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders concerning immigration enforcement. The specific statements under scrutiny and the nature of the alleged obstruction have not been fully disclosed.
The situation unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing debate about the role and methods of ICE. Critics argue that ICE's tactics are overly aggressive and lead to the separation of families, while supporters maintain that the agency is essential for enforcing immigration laws and maintaining national security. Protests have been ongoing outside Minneapolis' Whipple Federal Building, which has become a de facto ICE headquarters.
The investigation's outcome could have significant implications for the relationship between the federal government and state and local authorities regarding immigration enforcement. It also raises questions about the extent to which local officials can voice opposition to federal policies without facing legal repercussions. The Justice Department has not released a timeline for the investigation.
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