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Judge Blocks DOJ Subpoenas, Citing Retaliation Over Minnesota Protests

6/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Judge Patrick Schiltz quashed six subpoenas the Justice Department issued to Minnesota officials.
He said the subpoenas, served in January during “Operation Metro Surge” after protests and the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were a retaliatory effort to force federal immigration enforcement.
Governor Walz and the other officials praised the ruling as a victory for the rule of law, noting no plausible investigatory justification.

History

Historical Context

In 2012 the U.S. Supreme Court, in Arizona v. United States, issued a 5-3 decision written by Justice Anthony Kennedy that struck down key provisions of Arizona’s SB 1070, affirming federal primacy over immigration enforcement. That precedent underlies Judge Patrick Schiltz’s recent dismissal of six Justice Department subpoenas to Minnesota officials, as Governor Tim Walz and state leaders continue to contest federal immigration pressure.

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Story summary

Judge Patrick Schiltz quashed six subpoenas the Justice Department issued to Minnesota officials.
He said the subpoenas, served in January during “Operation Metro Surge” after protests and the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were a retaliatory effort to force federal immigration enforcement.
Governor Walz and the other officials praised the ruling as a victory for the rule of law, noting no plausible investigatory justification.

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