Judge Voids 6 Trump DOJ Subpoenas to Minnesota Leaders Over Metro Surge
Updated
Updated · The New Republic · Jun 22
Judge Voids 6 Trump DOJ Subpoenas to Minnesota Leaders Over Metro Surge
3 articles · Updated · The New Republic · Jun 22
Summary
Six grand-jury subpoenas issued in January to Gov. Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other Minnesota officials were quashed by Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz.
Schiltz said the Justice Department used the subpoenas to harass political opponents and pressure the state to comply with White House demands tied to Operation Metro Surge, not for any plausible criminal investigation.
The January operation had already inflamed tensions after federal agents killed two American citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, while the administration also escalated rhetoric about Somali Americans and immigrants.
Walz called the ruling a victory for the rule of law, and Frey said subpoenaing officials for speaking for constituents violated democratic norms; the Trump administration had not responded.
Where is the line between legitimate federal investigation and unconstitutional coercion of state governments?
Can states create new laws to hold federal agents accountable for constitutional violations within their borders?
Judge Quashes Six Federal Subpoenas Targeting Minnesota Leaders Over Immigration Policy Dispute
Overview
On June 22, 2026, a U.S. federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to gather information from several Minnesota officials by quashing grand jury subpoenas. These subpoenas were part of a federal investigation into whether Minnesota officials’ opposition to federal immigration enforcement policies, specifically related to 'Operation Metro Surge,' could be considered a crime. The legal challenge began when Minnesota officials filed a lawsuit to halt the operation, and the now-blocked subpoenas were a direct result of that action. As a result, the targeted officials are no longer required to provide the information sought by the investigation.