Is the US Justice Department Investigating Minneapolis Mayor for Impeding Federal Law Enforcement?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Federal investigation into Minneapolis Mayor and Minnesota Governor.
- Allegations of impeding federal law enforcement operations.
- Statements by officials viewed as threats to ICE agents.
- Investigation follows a tragic shooting incident involving ICE.
- Nationwide protests have emerged in response.
Los Angeles, Jan 17 (NationPress) The Federal Prosecutors are currently examining the actions of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly obstructing federal law enforcement efforts within the state.
The officials' statements against the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are reportedly nearing the threshold of a federal crime, as indicated by US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Blanche remarked, "When the governor or the mayor makes threats against our officers, or when the mayor implies he is urging citizens to contact 911 upon seeing ICE agents, that verges on a federal offense."
Two insiders have confirmed that an investigation is in progress, although it is still in its infancy, and it remains uncertain whether it will lead to criminal charges, as reported by Xinhua news agency citing Fox News.
The Hill, a US political news outlet, stated that the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued subpoenas on Friday for the two Democratic politicians, accusing them of obstructing the federal law enforcement officers from executing their responsibilities.
In response to the DOJ's investigation, Governor Walz commented: "Just two days ago, it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week, it was Jerome Powell. Prior to that, Mark Kelly. The weaponization of the justice system and the intimidation of political adversaries is a perilous, authoritarian method."
He added, "The only individual who isn’t being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her."
This investigation is unfolding amidst rising tensions following a federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota. On January 7, Renee Good, a 37-year-old US citizen, was tragically shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis, a significant city in Minnesota.
The shooting incident led to widespread protests across the nation last weekend. Mayor Frey and Governor Walz have since urged ICE to cease its raids in both Minneapolis and St. Paul, where approximately 2,500 individuals have been detained as of Friday.