Judge blocks Trump subpoenas targeting Minnesota Democrats

Minnesota's top federal judge on Monday quashed several Trump administration subpoenas for immigration-related records from Gov. Tim Walz (D) and a dozen other state and local officials.Why it matters: The grand jury subpoenas — issued when Operation Metro Surge was at its height — were clearly meant to "coerce Minnesota officials into assisting the federal government with enforcing civil immigration laws," U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz concluded.What they're saying: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey — one of the subpoena targets — praised the ruling in a statement, calling the attempted probe an "effort to weaponize [U.S. Department of Justice] power against elected leaders who disagree with the federal administration.""The U.S. Justice Department is pursuing criminal investigations into the President's political opponents," added Walz in an X post. "This case was just one example of that."The big picture: The Jan. 20 subpoenas also targeted Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarity.County commissioners in both Ramsey and Hennepin counties also challenged the subpoenas.Catch up quick: Four days after the subpoenas arrived, then-AG Pam Bondi sent Walz a letter demanding Minnesota repeal its "sanctuary policies" and hand over voter registration, food stamps and Medicaid records."You and your office must restore the rule of law," Bondi's letter read.Between the lines: Grand juries have broad investigative powers, and it's "extremely rare" for judges to intervene, Ellison said.But Schiltz — a George W. Bush appointee — found "overwhelming" evidence the subpoenas were issued "in order to harass political opponents … a blatantly unlawful and unethical use of the grand jury process."Editor's note: This is a breaking news story and may be updated.