U.S. Justice Department investigating Minnesota governor, Minneapolis mayor

Federal prosecutors are investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for allegedly impeding federal law enforcement operations in the state, Fox News reported Friday.



The two officials' rhetoric against the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was approaching a potential federal offense, U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche was quoted as saying.



"When the governor or the mayor threatens 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," Blanche said.



Two sources familiar with the matter confirmed that a probe is underway, though it remains in its early stages and it is unclear if it will result in criminal charges, said the report. No further details have been released publicly.



The Hill, a U.S. political website, reported that the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday issued subpoenas for the two Democratic Party politicians, accusing them of interfering with federal law enforcement officers' ability to carry out their duties.