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Walz's office, 5 other MN government offices served subpoenas in ICE obstruction investigation

By FOX 9 Staff
Updated  January 20, 2026 2:16pm CST
News
FOX 9

The Brief

    • The FBI has served subpoenas to Gov. Tim Walz's office, as well as five other Minnesota government offices.
    • The subpoenas are part of a federal investigation into alleged conspiracy to coerce or obstruct federal law enforcement.
    • State and local officials have called on ICE to leave Minnesota, especially in the wake of a fatal shooting by ICE on Jan. 7.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - The U.S. Department of Justice has served grand jury subpoenas to six Minnesota government offices, including Gov. Tim Walz's office, Attorney General Keith Ellison's office, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's office, and St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her's office. 

The Associated Press is reporting the subpoenas were also sent to officials in Ramsey and Hennepin counties.

Subpoenas served to Walz, Ellison, Frey's offices

What we know:

FOX News says the FBI served the subpoenas, looking for records and communications. 

Gov. Tim Walz's office confirmed to FOX 9 a subpoena was delivered. Attorney General Ellison's office did not confirm a subpoena was delivered. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's office received the subpoena Tuesday afternoon, his office told FOX 9. 

Frey's office has been called to appear at the U.S. federal courthouse at 9 a.m. on Feb. 3. 

READ MORE: DOJ responds to Minnesota lawsuit over ICE surge: 'Legally frivolous'

State and local officials, along with activists and protesters, have been calling on ICE to leave Minnesota, especially in the wake of the fatal shooting by ICE of Renee Good on Jan. 7. 

FOX News reports these subpoenas are part of a federal investigation into alleged conspiracy to coerce or obstruct federal law enforcement during the Department of Homeland Security's Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota. 

Ellison, Frey, Her respond to subpoena

What they're saying:

In a statement to FOX 9, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said: 

"When the federal government weaponizes its power to try to intimidate local leaders for doing their jobs, every American should be concerned. We shouldn't have to live in a country where people fear that federal law enforcement will be used to play politics or crack down on local voices they disagree with. In Minneapolis, we won't be afraid. We know the difference between right and wrong, and, as Mayor, I'll continue doing the job I was elected to do: keeping our community safe and standing up for our values."

St. Paul Mayor Her released the following statement after her office received a subpoena from the U.S. DOJ: 

"The president promised retribution, and consistent with that promise, we received a subpoena today from the US Attorney’s Office. I am unfazed by these tactics, and I stand firm in my commitment to protect our residents, neighbors, and community."

Ellison released the following statement on social media: 

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates. 

NewsTim WalzCrime and Public SafetyMinnesotaImmigration