Federal Judge Quashes Subpoenas Against Minnesota Officials
A U.S. District judge has invalidated six grand jury subpoenas issued by the Trump administration against Minnesota state and local offices, including those of Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz deemed the subpoenas retaliatory and unlawful.
The subpoenas were part of a Justice Department effort to coerce Minnesota officials into cooperating with immigration enforcement after they had sued to block Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration operation. The subpoenas targeted the Minnesota governor’s office, the Minnesota attorney general, two Minnesota mayors’ offices, Ramsey County’s Board of Commissioners, and Hennepin County’s Board of Commissioners.
In his ruling, Schiltz emphasized that using grand jury proceedings to pressure political opponents into actions the federal government cannot directly mandate is unethical and unlawful. He noted, ‘The Court has no doubt that they were issued for forbidden purposes.’
The Justice Department failed to provide a plausible investigatory justification for the subpoenas. The subpoenas followed legal challenges regarding Operation Metro Surge, an immigration enforcement effort that Minnesota officials opposed.
Gov. Walz praised the ruling as a victory for democracy, stating, ‘This case is an example of the administration’s lawlessness.’ As the 2024 Democratic nominee for vice president, Walz emphasized the importance of justice and the rule of law.
Attorney General Keith Ellison expressed concern about Trump’s actions, claiming they weaponize the criminal justice system against opponents. Mayor Frey called the investigation politically motivated, and criticized subpoenaing opponents for speaking out as a violation of democratic principles.
Frey remarked, ‘Criticizing government action is not a crime. Democracy allows officials to challenge power without fear.’
The Department of Justice has not responded to requests for comments. The Associated Press contributed to this report.