A federal judge in Minnesota has annulled the Justice Department’s subpoenas against state and local authorities. In a decision made public on Monday, the judge identified the Trump administration’s actions as politically driven and a misuse of the grand jury process. The subpoenas were part of the administration’s intense winter immigration crackdown in the state.
Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz, in a critical verdict, stated, “The primary aim of the subpoenas is to pressure Minnesota officials into aiding federal civil immigration law enforcement and to harass and retaliate against them for their noncompliance.” Schiltz, appointed by President George W. Bush, had previously questioned the administration’s actions during Operation Metro Surge. This intervention involved numerous agents, resulting in many arrests across Minnesota and three shootings in Minneapolis.
At one point, Judge Schiltz required the head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement to justify holding individuals without the chance to contest their detention. He later withdrew that requirement. A Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman previously described Judge Schiltz’s orders as “a diatribe from this activist judge.” The Justice Department and Homeland Security officials did not immediately respond to requests for remarks on the quashing of the subpoenas.
During Operation Metro Surge, the Justice Department targeted several prominent Democrats in Minnesota with subpoenas, demanding documents about their policies on immigration enforcement. According to Judge Schiltz, although the subpoenas claimed to investigate potential violations of federal laws against concealing undocumented immigrants or government obstruction, they were targeting legal activities shielded by constitutional protection from federal interference.
The subpoenas impacted Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, among others. These officials applauded the judge’s ruling as a triumph for legal principles. Mayor Frey stated, “No one should face targeting for challenging those in office. No community should have to endure damaging policies without protest. No administration should wield law enforcement to suppress dissent.”
Mitch Smith reports from Chicago for The Times, covering regions such as the Midwest and Great Plains.
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