A federal judge has stopped the Trump administration’s attempt to subpoena Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other state officials, describing the move as an effort linked to harassment and political retaliation.
Eko Hot News reports that U.S. District Judge Patrick Schlitz ruled that the subpoenas lacked a valid legal basis and appeared primarily aimed at pressuring state officials over their handling of federal immigration enforcement actions.
The subpoenas, issued in January, targeted Governor Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and several city and county officials in Minnesota as part of a federal inquiry into alleged obstruction during an immigration operation in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
In his ruling, the judge said the justification for the subpoenas was “extremely weak to nonexistent,” adding that they largely involved constitutionally protected actions by state and local authorities.
He further stated that the Justice Department appeared to be using the grand jury process for purposes unrelated to a legitimate criminal investigation, raising concerns about misuse of legal authority.
Governor Walz welcomed the decision, calling it a victory for the rule of law and democratic governance, while reaffirming his administration’s position on immigration enforcement matters.
Attorney General Keith Ellison and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also criticized the subpoenas, describing them as politically driven and aimed at punishing officials for policy disagreements.
Local officials involved in the case maintained that their actions were lawful and within their constitutional rights, stressing the importance of protecting state autonomy in governance decisions.
The Justice Department has not yet issued an official response to the ruling, which has sparked broader debate about the use of federal investigative powers and political accountability.
The case adds to ongoing tensions between federal and state authorities over immigration policy enforcement and the limits of executive power in legal proceedings.
