A federal judge in Minnesota has quashed subpoenas from the Justice Department that targeted state and local officials, calling the action politically motivated. The ruling, unsealed on Monday, criticizes the Trump administration’s use of the grand jury process during a winter immigration crackdown.
Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz’s opinion stated that the subpoenas were intended to pressure Minnesota officials to support federal immigration enforcement and retaliate against those who did not. Schiltz, a nominee of President George W. Bush, had previously expressed concerns about the conduct of the Trump administration during Operation Metro Surge. This operation involved thousands of agents and resulted in numerous arrests and incidents in Minnesota.
During the crackdown, Judge Schiltz demanded that the head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement appear in court to explain why detainees had no chance to challenge their detentions, though he later withdrew this demand.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security referred to one of Judge Schiltz’s previous orders as a ‘diatribe from this activist judge.’ Both the Justice Department and Homeland Security did not immediately comment on the decision to quash the subpoenas.
As part of Operation Metro Surge, in January, the Justice Department subpoenaed offices of several Minnesota Democrats critical of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. These subpoenas targeted records related to their immigration enforcement policies. Judge Schiltz stated the given justification was investigating potential violations of federal laws, but he concluded that the activities in question were lawful and constitutionally protected.
Officials who received subpoenas included Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Mayors Jacob Frey and Kaohly Her. They praised the judge’s ruling as a victory for the rule of law. Mayor Frey emphasized that no one should face scrutiny for criticizing those in power, nor should communities accept harmful policies without opposition.
Mitch Smith, a Chicago-based national correspondent for The Times, reports on the Midwest and Great Plains.
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