Legal battles grow over Minnesota immigration enforcement operation

Federal prosecutors served grand jury subpoenas to multiple Minnesota officials as legal disputes continued over a large immigration enforcement operation in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area.

Federal and local officials are engaged in legal disputes and public confrontations over a large immigration enforcement operation in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area. Federal prosecutors served grand jury subpoenas to the governor's office, the attorney general, the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and county officials. The subpoenas seek records as part of an investigation into whether public statements or other actions obstructed federal immigration enforcement. The state's lawsuit, filed after the fatal shooting of Renee Good, and the government's court filings have added to the legal contest. Key developments: - Federal prosecutors served grand jury subpoenas to the offices of Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, and officials in Ramsey and Hennepin counties, seeking records. - Investigators are examining whether officials obstructed or impeded federal immigration enforcement, and the inquiry has included potential conspiracy-related questions; some subpoenas request documents about refusal to assist immigration officers. - The Justice Department asked a judge to reject efforts to halt the enforcement surge and described the state's lawsuit as legally frivolous, while state and local leaders have said federal actions raise constitutional concerns. - Public confrontations and protests have followed a recent fatal shooting linked to the operation, and officials on both sides have criticized each other's conduct; additional legal and procedural outcomes are currently undetermined. Summary: The subpoenas have intensified legal disputes between federal authorities and Minnesota leaders and come amid sustained public confrontations in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area. Vice President JD Vance is expected to meet local leaders, and the timing of further judicial rulings or other procedural steps is undetermined at this time.