Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Subpoenas Against Minnesota Officials

A federal judge has stopped the Trump administration from subpoenaing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and other state officials. This decision accuses the Justice Department of retaliating against state officials for not aiding federal efforts to tackle illegal immigration. On Monday, U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz found the subpoenas aimed to pressure Minnesota officials into enforcing civil immigration law and penalize them for non-cooperation.

Relations between the Trump administration and Minnesota’s Democratic leaders worsened in January amid clashes between federal immigration officers and protesters in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The situation intensified after the officers’ fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. President Donald Trump considered using the Insurrection Act to control protests and accused Walz, who was Kamala Harris’ vice-presidential running mate in 2024, and others of promoting disruptions to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities.

AP’s Lisa Dwyer reported the judge’s decision to block the subpoenas, noting the subpoenas requested records as part of an investigation into whether Walz and other officials obstructed law enforcement actions. They targeted the offices of Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, and officials in Ramsey and Hennepin counties. Judge Schiltz ruled the connection between subpoenaed information and criminal violations was “extremely weak to nonexistent.” He emphasized that Minnesota has the legal right not to use its resources to enforce federal immigration law.

The Justice Department issued a statement that it remains highly concerned about unlawful obstruction of federal operations and will continue to comply fully with the law in its investigations.

Officials welcomed the judge’s decision. Walz called it “a victory for the rule of law and our democracy.” He highlighted the U.S. Justice Department’s pursuit of criminal investigations against the President’s political rivals, describing the subpoenas as politically motivated retaliation. Ellison voiced concern that Donald Trump was misusing the justice system against those with differing opinions.

Mayor Her commented that the subpoenas were an attempt to retaliate politically against the city for opposing ICE. Frey said the investigation lacked genuine justice, law, and order. He added that subpoenaing political opponents for voicing constituents’ concerns violated democratic principles and human decency. Frey affirmed the importance of challenging governmental action without fear of punishment.

Over the past year, judges have dismissed indictments against notable Trump adversaries, including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Grand juries have regularly refused Justice Department indictment requests. This trend highlights growing public worry over politicization within an institution meant to operate independently of the White House.

Vice President JD Vance separately urged Justice Department investigations into Walz and Ellison for allegedly failing to prevent extensive social services fraud. Walz and Ellison described these fraud allegations as politically driven and defended their commitment to tackle fraud in Minnesota.

Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County Attorney, sued the Trump administration for evidence access in the Good and Pretti cases. She’s also pursued criminal charges against ICE officers related to other events, including the nonfatal shooting of a Venezuelan man. Moriarty’s office is reportedly examining additional cases tied to immigration-related incidents.

Associated Press writer Hannah Fingerhut from Des Moines, Iowa, contributed to this report.

The story has been corrected to reflect that the federal judge’s name is Patrick Schiltz, not Schlitz.