Legal battles between Minnesota state and federal officials escalated asVice President JD Vanceplans a visit to Minneapolis and protests continued demonstrating against immigration enforcement operations in the state.
TheDepartment of Justice on Jan. 20 delivered subpoenasto the offices of Minnesota Gov.Tim Walzand Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, among other Democratic officials, related to allegations that they impeded the work of federal officers in the state. Walz and Frey called the move "a partisan distraction" and effort to "intimidate local leaders."
Meanwhile, a federal judge in Minnesota isweighing whether to halt immigration operationsafter the state, Minneapolis and St. Paul filed a lawsuit accusing the federal government of violating state rights. The same judge ordered agents not to use "chilling" tactics against peaceful protesters, including tear gas and arrests. The Department of Justice appealed that order.
Federal agents continue surge of immigration enforcement in Minnesota
As investigations and lawsuits pile up, protests continue across Minnesota where some 3,000 federal agents are operating. Demonstrations have erupted since a U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement agentshot and killed Renee Nicole Goodon Jan. 7.
Vancehas defendedthe killing of Good, calling it "a tragedy of her own making"and alleging she waspart of vast left-wing extremist network. On Jan. 22, Vance will hold a roundtable with community members and is expected to deliver remarks.
Statewide 'ICE out of Minneapolis' protest planned for Friday
Organizers in Minneapolis asked people to not go to work, skip school and refrain from buying anything as part of a protest against the ongoing immigration operations in the state.
"Faith leaders, business owners, workers, and concerned Minnesotans have called for a statewide day of public mourning and pause through 'No Work, No School and No Shopping' and a massive, peaceful march in downtown Minneapolis that afternoon," said anews release about the demonstrationscheduled for Friday, Jan. 23.
In recent weeks, schools across the state have held walk-outs as protesters on the street have clashed with federal agents and recorded immigration enforcement operations.
Off-duty cops targeted by immigration agents in Minnesota: officials
Immigration agents have stopped off-duty officers in Minnesota "solely because of the color of their skin," agroup of local police chiefs allegedon Jan. 21.
Brooklyn Park Police Department Chief Mark Bruley described an incident in which ICE agents blocked in an off-duty officer and demanded proof of citizenship. Bruley said agents knocked the officer's phone out of her hand when she tried to record the interaction and that the federal agents "had their guns drawn."
"I wish I could tell you this was an isolated incident," Bruley said, flanked by other heads of local law enforcement agencies. "If it is happening to our officers, it pains me to think of how many of our community members are falling victim to this every day. It has to stop."
In a statement to USA TODAY, the Department of Homeland Security said, "DHS is able to find no record of ICE or Border Patrol stopping and questioning a police officer. Without a name, we cannot verify these claims. We will continue to look into these claims."
More:ICE agents drew guns on off-duty officer in Minnesota, chief says
Feds investigate protest at St. Paul church
The Department of Justice opened a probe intoa protest that interrupted a Sunday serviceat a church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
A group of protestors entered Cities Church on Jan. 18, alleging that Pastor David Easterwood serves as the ICE St. Paul Field Office acting director. Videos show dozens of protesters changing "Renee Good," and "don't shoot," as some verbally confronting churchgoers.
Attorney GeneralPam Bondisaid the DOJ is investigating the protest as a potential violation of the FACE Act, a federal law that prohibits the use of force, threats or physical obstruction to block people from reproductive health care or access to religious worship under the First Amendment's right of religious freedom.
St. Paul Police Department Public Information Officer Nikki Muehlhausen told USA TODAY the department is actively investigating the protest as disorderly conduct. In a statement, Walz's office said the governor "in no way supports interrupting a place of worship."
– Greta Cross
What do we know so far about DOJ subpoenas
Thesubpoenas delivered by the FBI on Jan. 20seek records and testimony related to an investigation into Democratic officials accused of impeding federal law enforcement, officials said.
FBI DirectorKash Patelsaid the subpoenas – sent to Walz, Frey and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison – will help build a case against the officials.
"When you have subpoenas out,it is not rocket science. Investigations are done by acquiring records, investigations are then furthered by putting witnesses in the grand jury and making a presentment for a case with our partners at the Department of Justice," Kash said in aninterview on Fox News' "Hannity."
Those subpoenaed all criticized the investigation, calling it political theater. Ellisonnoted on Xthat the subpoenas came within days of him suing the Trump administration for the federal intervention in Minnesota.
"Trump is weaponizing the justice system against any leader who dares to stand up to him," Ellison said.
This story has been updated to add new information.
Christopher Cann is a national breaking news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact him via email at ccann@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Legal battles intensify in Minnesota as Vance announces visit
