Overview
- A federal judge quashed grand‑jury subpoenas for Gov. Tim Walz and other Minnesota officials in a ruling unsealed Monday that said the demands were meant to harass and coerce rather than advance a criminal probe.
- The subpoenas were served in January as part of an investigation into whether state and local leaders impeded federal immigration enforcement during Operation Metro Surge and sought broad records from the governor, the attorney general, two mayors, and county offices.
- Judge Patrick Schiltz wrote that the connections between the requested material and any criminal violation were “extremely weak to nonexistent” and that much of the material sought related to constitutionally protected conduct.
- The order directed disclosure of grand‑jury materials but put that portion on hold so the Justice Department can seek review or appeal, and the DOJ says it will continue to investigate allegations of obstruction.
- Gov. Walz has filed multiple FOIA requests for federal records he says would show a coordinated campaign of retribution, and the ruling adds to a string of judicial rebukes that could limit use of grand juries in politically charged probes.