The RecordExhibit 77
Criminal subpoenas for Minnesota's Democratic leaders
Ruled unlawful means: A court ruled against it. Some rulings are on appeal.
Federal prosecutors served grand jury subpoenas on the offices of Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, and Ramsey and Hennepin county officials.
What happened
The Washington Post reported the investigation examined whether their public statements criticizing the immigration surge amounted to criminal interference with law enforcement. The subpoenas came days after an ICE agent killed Renee Good. Walz called it weaponizing the justice system against political opponents.
Where it stands
In June 2026 Judge Patrick Schiltz, a George W. Bush appointee, quashed all six subpoenas. He ruled they were issued to harass and retaliate against the officials and to coerce them into helping with civil immigration enforcement, called that a blatantly unlawful use of the grand jury, and unsealed his ruling because of the public's interest in the abuse. In September Schiltz was among the judges the Justice Department accused of misconduct over press interviews.
The administration's side
The Justice Department said it was investigating a possible conspiracy to impede federal officers during the surge, under the same statute used against some Jan. 6 rioters, and has argued that Minnesota wants a veto over federal law enforcement. The White House accused Walz and Frey of inciting the protests.
Sources
Permanent link: https://unredactedrecord.com/e/mnprobe/