A federal judge in Minnesota dismissed the Justice Department’s subpoenas aimed at state and local officials, showing the Trump administration used the grand jury process improperly and was politically motivated. The decision was revealed on Monday and centered around the administration’s winter immigration crackdown.
Judge’s Critique of Subpoenas
Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz criticized the subpoenas in a detailed opinion, saying they were used to coerce Minnesota officials into enforcing civil immigration laws. He stated the subpoenas sought to retaliate against those officials for not complying with federal demands. This serves as a rebuke to the administration’s immigration strategies.
Judge Schiltz, appointed by President George W. Bush, had previously expressed disapproval of the administration’s conduct during Operation Metro Surge, which involved extensive law enforcement efforts resulting in many arrests and several shootings. Earlier this year, he demanded explanations from Immigration and Customs Enforcement concerning individuals detained without legal recourse, though he later withdrew this demand.
A spokeswoman from the Department of Homeland Security criticized the judge’s previous orders, and neither the Justice Department nor Homeland Security commented on the subpoena decision.
Reaction from Minnesota Officials
In January, federal subpoenas targeted the offices of several Minnesota Democrats critical of the administration’s immigration policies. Judge Schiltz explained that these subpoenas were investigating lawful activities, protected by the Constitution from federal interference.
The subpoenas targeted records concerning immigration enforcement policies from officials such as Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Mayors Jacob Frey and Kaohly Her. Many praised the judge’s ruling as a triumph for legality and civil liberties.
“No one should be targeted for questioning those in power,”said Mayor Frey.“No community should accept harmful policies without objection. Law enforcement should not be used by any administration to silence dissent.”
Mitch Smith, a national correspondent based in Chicago, covers stories from the Midwest and Great Plains for The Times.