US Justice Department Investigates Minnesota Democrats Over ICE Obstruction Claims
January 17, 2026
The US Justice Department is investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over alleged attempts to block federal immigration actions. This comes amid rising tension from last week's shooting of Renee Good, 37, by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Good was found with at least three to four gunshot wounds and died on the way to the hospital. Governor Walz said on X, "Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic. The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her." Mayor Frey responded, "I will not be intimidated. This is an obvious attempt to intimidate me for standing up for Minneapolis, our local law enforcement, and our residents against the chaos and danger this Administration has brought to our streets." The investigation focuses on 18 U.S.C. § 372, which criminalizes conspiracies to block federal officers through force or threats. Protests continue in Minneapolis over Good's death, and local officials urge peace during the holiday weekend. Video footage shows ICE agents approaching Good's car, which was blocking traffic. As she tried to move the vehicle, an agent fired a gunshot. DHS said the agent suffered internal bleeding. The FBI is investigating, but no federal civil rights probe is underway. President Donald Trump criticized protesters on Truth Social as "highly paid professionals" and accused Walz and Frey of losing control. However, he said he currently won't deploy troops under the Insurrection Act. Thousands of ICE officers remain deployed in Minnesota. Democratic lawmakers at a city hearing condemned ICE's conduct, calling it reckless. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar said ICE aims to "provoke chaos and fear." Other lawmakers demanded reforms, such as banning masks on ICE agents and requiring body cameras. Several residents testified about harsh ICE detention practices. DHS stated identity checks near detentions are based on "reasonable suspicion" and denied racial bias.
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