Tim Walz begs for donations to his legal defense fund after DOJ subpoena over obstructing ICE

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has started raising money for a legal defense fund after the Department of Justice subpoenaed Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and with others for allegedly conspiring to impede law enforcement. This also comes as there has been massive fallout from a fraud scandal that has plagued Minnesota.

In a message sent out to supporters, Walz said, “Tim Walz here. Last week, the federal government opened an investigation into me. This comes just weeks after a federal ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis, unleashing chaos across our city. Rather than taking accountability and working to turn down the temperature, Donald Trump and his administration are fanning the flames by targeting me for demanding transparency and answers. Let me be clear: Weaponizing the justice system and threatening political opponents is a dangerous, authoritarian tactic - and I won't let it slide.”

“My job is to defend Minnesotans and the rule of law, and I'm sure as hell not backing down. But the road ahead is long, difficult, and expensive. If you're with me, please rush a donation to our legal defense fund and help ensure we can keep fighting for accountability, transparency, and justice,” he added, then offering a donation link in the message.

Aside from Walz, the other Minnesota officials who were subpoenaed include Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, as well as St Paul Mayor Kaohly Her.

The investigation from the DOJ has cropped up as the Trump administration has surged ICE agents into Minnesota in the aftermath of a viral video report concerning fraud in the state published by independent reporter Nick Shirley. Shirley testified before Congress on Wednesday about the fraud taking place.

The FBI served the subpoenas, seeking records on communications, according to a report from Fox News. US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said, "When the governor or the mayor threaten our officers, when the mayor suggests that he's encouraging citizens to call 911 when they see ICE officers, that is very close to a federal crime.”