Federal Probe into Minnesota's Alleged Immigration Agent Conspiracy

The U.S. Justice Department is examining claims that Minnesota leaders, including Governor Tim Walz, conspired to obstruct federal immigration agents. The probe is linked to statements made about the recent deployment of ICE and Border Patrol officers. Walz criticized the investigation as a political weapon.

The U.S. Justice Department has launched an investigation into whether Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, engaged in a conspiracy to obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts.

A source confirmed the probe, which was first reported by CBS News, and is linked to comments made by Walz and Frey regarding the presence of thousands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and Border Patrol agents in the Minneapolis area.

Governor Walz expressed his discontent on social media, accusing the justice system of being used as a political weapon, citing similar instances involving other political figures. The Justice Department, however, declined to comment. The move coincides with the Trump administration's deployment of nearly 3,000 federal agents to Minnesota.

(With inputs from agencies.)