Minneapolis Mayor Frey defends himself amid reports of DOJ probe, says 'of course' he will comply
Source: ABC News
January 18, 2026, 10:15 AM
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey defended himself and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Sunday, insisting they've "done nothing wrong" amid what sources say is a new federal investigation targeting the two Democratic officials.
"If the rumors are true, this is deeply concerning, because this is way more important than just me. This is a very serious matter, and this whole investigation would ultimately be the product of one of the most basic foundational responsibilities that I have as mayor, which is to speak on behalf of my constituents," Frey told "This Week" co-anchor Jonathan Karl. "There are other countries where you get put away for the things that you say. There are other countries where you get investigated for saying something that runs counter to what the federal government states. But in this country, it's not that way."
Frey said his office has not received a subpoena from the Department of Justice. He said he intends to comply with the investigation.
"Look, we have done nothing wrong, so of course we will comply in it, but at the same time, we need to be understanding how wild this is. We are doing everything possible right now to keep people safe in our city. We have spoken out to make sure that our residents are protected and people's constitutional rights are upheld. Speaking out in that way is not illegality," Frey said.
Read more: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/minneapolis-mayor-frey-defends-amid-doj-probe-comply/story?id=129325558
paleotn
(21,684 posts)You can't get shit past a grand jury.
OldBaldy1701E
(10,361 posts)With all due respect, Your Honor, you should stop with the qualifying and the explanations.
They know what they are doing. They know what you did/did not do.
They are just trying to rattle you.
Rattle back.
Miguelito Loveless
(5,462 posts)He should comply right after the Epstein files are released.
LetMyPeopleVote
(175,588 posts)The evidence suggesting the Justice Department is an institution in crisis is increasingly difficult to avoid.
Facing a Justice Department investigation: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.
— Steve Benen (@stevebenen.com) 2026-01-19T13:08:45.803Z
Not facing a Justice Department investigation: the ICE agent who shot and killed Renee Good. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/trumps-doj-to-investigate-walz-and-frey-but-not-ice-agent-who-shot-renee-good
The Justice Department has opened an investigation into Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, according to two people familiar with the matter, a significant escalation of President Donald Trumps campaign of retribution against his critics and a move that is almost certain to further inflame tensions with the state.
The investigation focuses on allegations of obstructing federal immigration enforcement amid protests throughout Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer last week.
The governor and mayor join a growing list of Democrats facing Trump administration investigations, which now includes former President Joe Biden, former President Bill Clinton, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Sen. Adam Schiff of California, Rep. Eric Swalwell of California, Sen. Ellisa Slotkin of Michigan, Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado, Rep. Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, Rep. Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania......
Time will tell what, if anything, comes of prosecutors scrutiny of Walz and Frey, but in the meantime, the one person in Minnesota who need not worry about a Justice Department investigation is the ICE agent who shot and killed Good.
BREAM: Is the FBI investigating the ICE agent who shot Renee Good?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 2026-01-18T16:24:27.784Z
BLANCHE: What happened has been reviewed by millions of Americans bc it was recorded. We investigate when it's appropriate. That is not the case here. We are not going to bow to pressure. So no, we are not investigating.
There are over 1,000 shootings every year where law enforcement are put in danger by individuals, and they have to protect themselves, and they have a lawful right to do so, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said on Fox News Sunday. The Department of Justice doesnt just stand up and investigate because some congressmen thinks we should, because some governor thinks that we should.
Blanche, a former Trump defense attorney, added, We investigate when its appropriate to investigate. And that is not the case here. It was not the case when it happened and is not the case today.
In other words, Trumps Justice Department wont investigate an ICE agent who shot and killed an unarmed woman, but it will investigate a governor and mayor who condemned an ICE agent who shot and killed an unarmed woman as well as the victims family.
The evidence suggesting the DOJ is an institution in crisis is increasingly difficult to avoid.