ur democracy. 

 The U.S. Justice Department is pursuing criminal investigations into the President's political opponents,  said Walz, the 2024 Democratic nominee for vice president.  This case was just one example of that, but we are seeing daily reminders of this administration's lawlessness - in Minnesota and around the country. We all must continue to seek justice and uphold the rule of law. 

Ellison said  it should disturb every American that Donald Trump is weaponizing the criminal justice system against people he disagrees with. 

The subpoenas  a politically motivated retaliation against our city for lawfully standing up to ICE and fighting for our residents,  Her said in a statement, referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Frey said the investigation was  never about justice, law, and order, but the absence of it. 

 Subpoenaing political opponents because they spoke on behalf of their constituents violates the core tenets of our democracy and human decency,  he said.

Frey also observed that criticizing government action is not a crime.

 One of the defining strengths of our democracy is the ability to challenge those in power without fear of retribution. Elected officials have both the right and the responsibility to speak honestly about how government decisions affect the people they serve,  he said.

Over the last year, judges have dismissed indictments against two prominent Trump foes, former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, and grand juries have repeatedly refused to return indictments sought by the Justice Department.

The moves reflect mounting public concerns that the Justice Department, an institution meant to make investigative and prosecution decisions independent of the White House, is being politicized under the current Trump administration.

Vice President JD Vance has separately called on the Justice Department to investigate Walz and Ellison over allegations they failed to stop widespread social services fraud, though the department has not said whether it will open an investigation. Walz and Ellison have described those allegations as politically motivated and defended their efforts to combat fraud in Minnesota.