Judge in Minnesota stops Trump and blocks attempt to request immigration data from Walz and Frey
The judge blocks requests from the Trump administration against Tim Walz and Jacob Frey on the grounds that they sought to pressure Minnesota authorities
Minnesota federal judge Patrick J. Schiltz rejected the requests issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, considering that there was no valid justification to request information related to the state's immigration policy.
According to the resolution, the Department of Justice of President Donald Trump's government failed to support the requests for information, which sought to access immigration records from different state and municipal authorities.
Judge points out lack of foundations in the requests
In his writing, Schiltz maintained that the Department of Justice faced difficulties in explaining the reason for the subpoenas, failing to present a plausible reason to justify the issuance of the requests. The ruling also warns that the actions would have been used as a form of pressure on Democratic officials in Minnesota in the context of immigration policy. The orders were issued on January 20 and were aimed at obtaining documents related to immigration management in Minnesota, including records from state and local authorities.
Among the officials named were Tim Walz and Jacob Frey, as well as other representatives of the state and municipal government.
Political tension between Minnesota and the White House
The case unfolded amid a growing confrontation between the federal government and Minnesota authorities, led by Democratic officials.
The federal administration had previously accused the state of alleged irregularities related to the handling of public funds and migrant communities, particularly within the Somali community.
This conflict intensified in a context of immigration operations and federal raids that led to protests and episodes of violence, which raised political tension at the national level.
Reactions after the court ruling
Following the decision, Governor Tim Walz called the ruling a “victory for the rule of law” and democracy in the United States.
For his part, Mayor Jacob Frey assured on social networks that the federal investigation did not respond to reasons of justice or security, but rather to a political conflict.
He also stated that citing officials for expressing the demands of their communities represents an attack on democratic principles.