1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

The Justice Department's investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey represents a dangerous weaponization of federal law enforcement against political opponents. This investigation, launched over their public criticism of the deployment of nearly 3,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents to Minneapolis, threatens the constitutional right to free speech and the separation of powers that protects our democracy. The investigation focuses on 18 U.S.C. § 372, a statute historically used for coordinated efforts involving violence or threats to obstruct federal officials. Public criticism of federal policy has always been protected speech. Both Walz and Frey explicitly called for peaceful protests, with Walz urging Minnesotans not to "fan the flames of chaos." Their statements came after the killing of Minnesota resident Renee Good by an ICE officer last week, yet no investigation has been launched into that shooting. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche's social media post threatening Walz and Frey with stopping their "terrorism by whatever means necessary" demonstrates the administration's intent to intimidate critics into silence. This follows a pattern Governor Walz identified: investigations targeting Senator Elissa Slotkin, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and Senator Mark Kelly. The Justice Department is being used as a political weapon rather than an independent institution upholding the rule of law. Attorney General Bondi has failed to maintain the independence required of her office. The DOJ must serve the Constitution and the American people, not function as a tool for presidential retribution against political opponents. When state officials cannot criticize federal overreach without facing criminal investigation, we have abandoned the principles of federalism and free speech that define our republic. I urge you to take immediate action to restore DOJ independence. This requires calling for Attorney General Bondi's removal and supporting legislation that insulates the Justice Department from political interference. The integrity of our justice system and the protection of constitutional rights depend on your willingness to stand against this authoritarian abuse of power.