Judge Rejects Grand Jury Subpoenas Against Minnesota Officials

On June 22, 2026, U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz overturned six grand jury subpoenas issued by the Trump administration against Minnesota officials. The judge deemed the subpoenas retaliatory and unlawful, targeting state and local government offices including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.

Subpoenas and Their Implications

The subpoenas were aimed at Minnesota offices following lawsuits by Minnesota officials to block Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration initiative. Specifically, the subpoenas affected the Minnesota governor’s office, the Minnesota attorney general, offices of two Minnesota mayors, Ramsey County’s Board of Commissioners, and Hennepin County’s Board of Commissioners.

Judge Schiltz criticized the use of grand jury subpoenas for coercing political opponents to take official actions that the federal government cannot mandate. He stated, “The only question, then, is whether the challenged subpoenas were issued for one of these forbidden purposes. The Court has no doubt that they were.” He also noted the Justice Department’s inability to justify the subpoenas plausibly.

Response and Reactions

Governor Walz hailed the ruling as a triumph for democracy and the rule of law. As the Democratic nominee for vice president in 2024, Walz remarked, “The U.S. Justice Department is pursuing criminal investigations into the President’s political opponents.” He stressed the necessity to uphold the rule of law amid the administration’s lawlessness.

Attorney General Ellison expressed concern over the Trump administration’s alleged manipulation of the criminal justice system against dissenters. Mayor Frey criticized the investigation’s motives, asserting it was a politically motivated vengeance due to Minneapolis standing against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to support residents.

Frey contended that calling out government actions should not be criminalized, emphasizing that challenging those in power is fundamental to democracy. He declared, “Elected officials have both the right and the responsibility to speak honestly about how government decisions affect the people they serve.”

No comments were immediately available from the Department of Justice spokesperson. The Associated Press contributed to this report.