US justice department investigating Minnesota Democrats over alleged obstruction of ICE

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete January 17, 2026 at 02:44 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

The US Justice Department is investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both Democrats, for allegedly obstructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The inquiry focuses on whether their statements and actions violated a federal statute prohibiting the prevention of federal officers from performing their duties through force, intimidation, or threats. The investigation follows protests in Minneapolis sparked by the death of Renee Good, who was shot by an ICE agent. Walz and Frey have criticized the investigation, accusing the Trump administration of weaponizing the justice system and attempting to intimidate them for opposing ICE's actions. The Justice Department has been contacted for comment.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

BBC ×230% Minneapolis Fire Department 40% Donald Trump 50% Renee Good ×460% United States ×260% Minnesota ×270% Minneapolis ×570% Jacob Frey ×280% Tim Walz ×280% US Justice Department ×290% Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ×490%

Keywords

justice department investigation 90% immigration and customs enforcement 80% obstruction of ice 70% minneapolis 60% renee good shooting 60% federal statute 50% political inquiry 50% protests 40%