A federal judge in Minnesota has quashed subpoenas issued by the Justice Department against state and local officials. The ruling, made public on Monday, highlights what the court described as a politically motivated and improper use of the grand jury process by the Trump administration.

These subpoenas were part of the administration’s intense immigration crackdown in Minnesota last winter. Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz, who was appointed by President George W. Bush, criticized the effort in his opinion. He stated that the subpoenas aimed to pressure Minnesota officials into supporting federal civil immigration law enforcement. Moreover, he asserted they were intended to harass and retaliate against officials for their noncompliance.

Previously, Judge Schiltz expressed concerns regarding the Trump administration’s conduct during Operation Metro Surge, a crackdown involving extensive federal agent participation. This operation resulted in numerous arrests and incidents, including three shootings in Minneapolis. During one occasion, Judge Schiltz summoned the head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to his court to explain the detentions of individuals without proper legal review. However, he later withdrew that request.

The Department of Homeland Security’s spokesperson labeled a previous order from Judge Schiltz as an “activist rant.” Both the Justice Department and Homeland Security did not provide immediate comments regarding the decision to terminate the subpoenas.

Earlier in January, during Operation Metro Surge, the Justice Department targeted prominent Minnesota Democrats critical of immigration policies through subpoenas. These sought records on their immigration enforcement policies. Judge Schiltz noted that the rationale behind the subpoenas was an investigation into potential violations of federal laws concerning undocumented immigration concealment or government obstruction.

However, Judge Schiltz contended that the subpoenas pursued legally protected activities, constitutionally shielded from federal interference. The officials receiving these subpoenas included Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis, and Mayor Kaohly Her of St. Paul. Several officials commended the decision as a legal triumph.

Mayor Frey remarked, “No one should be targeted for questioning those in power. No community should be expected to accept harmful policies without objection. And no administration should use the tools of law enforcement to silence dissent.”