Minnesota Judge Rejects Justice Department Subpoenas Over Immigration Enforcement

A federal judge in Minnesota has invalidated the Justice Department’s subpoenas aimed at state and local officials. The ruling, unsealed on Monday, determined that the Trump administration misused the grand jury process for political reasons.

Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz criticized the subpoenas, stating they were intended to force Minnesota officials to comply with federal civil immigration laws. He accused the administration of trying to harass and retaliate against officials for resisting.

Previously, Judge Schiltz had expressed concerns during Operation Metro Surge, an immigration crackdown that led to multiple arrests and incidents in Minnesota, including shootings in Minneapolis. The judge had demanded that ICE leaders explain the detention practices but later withdrew the request.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security described Judge Schiltz’s previous actions as “a diatribe from this activist judge.” The Justice Department and DHS have not commented on the ruling against the subpoenas.

In January, during Operation Metro Surge, the Justice Department had subpoenaed records from several Minnesota Democrats critical of Trump’s immigration stance. Judge Schiltz noted that the subpoenas aimed to investigate legal, constitutionally protected activities.

Those targeted included Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her. Many officials praised the judge’s decision as defending the rule of law. Mayor Frey stated, “No one should be targeted for questioning those in power. No community should be expected to accept harmful policies without objection.”

Mitch Smith reports from Chicago on the Midwest and Great Plains for The Times.