The US Justice Department has launched an investigation into Minnesota’s top political leaders, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, over allegations that they conspired to obstruct federal immigration enforcement. The probe, first reported by CBS News, marks a rare federal challenge to prominent critics of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Walz, the former Democratic vice-presidential nominee, criticized the investigation on social media, calling it an authoritarian tactic. “Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic,” Walz wrote. He added that the federal agent responsible for the shooting of Renee Good is the only person not under investigation. Mayor Frey echoed these concerns, pledging not to be intimidated. “This is an obvious attempt to intimidate me for standing up for Minneapolis, our local law enforcement, and our residents,” he said. “My focus will remain where it’s always been: keeping our city safe. Neither our city nor our country will succumb to this fear. We stand rock solid.” The investigation follows the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE officer Jonathan Ross last week, which triggered nationwide protests and intensified federal-local tensions. Homeland Security has deployed roughly 3,000 immigration enforcement officers to Minnesota, far outnumbering the local police force. Federal and local officials have also clashed over the probe into Ross’s actions. Analysis of witness videos suggests that Good did not present a threat when Ross fired three shots at close range. Despite this, federal authorities, including President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, have defended Ross’s actions, and the FBI reportedly limited cooperation with state investigators. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche hinted at the investigation earlier, tweeting, “Minnesota insurrection is a direct result of a FAILED governor and a TERRIBLE mayor encouraging violence against law enforcement… Walz and Frey – I’m focused on stopping YOU from your terrorism by whatever means necessary. This is not a threat. It’s a promise.” The probe is part of a broader pattern under Trump’s second term, where the Justice Department has been directed to pursue criminal investigations against political opponents, raising questions about the limits of federal authority and potential First Amendment implications. With subpoenas already issued and set to be served within hours, the investigation into Walz and Frey escalates tensions between federal authorities and Minnesota leaders amid a backdrop of national debate over immigration enforcement and government accountability.