Kari Lake on DOJ’s probe of Walz and Frey: ‘I want to see people dragged out in handcuffs’

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Trump adviser Kari Lake has publicly backed a Department of Justice investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, saying the two leaders should face serious legal consequences for allegedly obstructing federal immigration enforcement.

Speaking during a televised appearance, Lake argued that state and city leadership in Minnesota had crossed legal lines by interfering with federal immigration agents. She said the probe was overdue and should result in arrests if wrongdoing is proven.

“I want to see people dragged out in handcuffs,” Lake said while discussing the investigation.

Her comments came amid heightened federal immigration activity in the Twin Cities and growing political fallout over clashes between federal authorities and local officials.

Kari Lake backs DOJ investigation into Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey

During an appearance on NEWSMAX on Friday, January 16, Lake said the Department of Justice probe into Walz and Frey was justified and long overdue. She accused the governor and mayor of allowing policies that, in her view, interfered with federal immigration enforcement.

“I think it’s pretty obvious it’s well deserved,” Lake said. She referenced viral videos by by influencer Nick Shirley, claiming they documented ongoing issues in Minnesota related to immigration enforcement. “He lays out a fraction of what’s been happening in Minnesota,” she added.

Lake escalated her rhetoric while discussing accountability, saying she would not be satisfied until those responsible were held legally accountable. She made an additional remark about wanting to see people taken into custody, though she clarified she did not intend the comment to be personal toward Walz.

“These are crimes that deserve it,” Lake said, referring to what she characterized as long-standing violations.

Kari Lake says Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey exploited ‘Minnesota nice’

Lake also reflected on her time living in Minnesota in the late 1980s, contrasting her memories of the state with its current political climate. She argued that the state’s reputation for kindness had been exploited by elected officials.

According to Lake, large-scale refugee resettlement policies changed the state over time, placing pressure on communities and public systems. She claimed Minnesota’s leadership failed to protect residents while prioritizing political agendas. 

“The people of Minnesota are kind-hearted,” she said, adding that she did not want residents to lose what she described as a core American spirit.

Lake went on to allege corruption and election-related misconduct, expressing hope that the legal system would take stronger action. “Until we see people locked up for these kinds of fraud crimes and corruption crimes, it’s going to continue,” she said.

DOJ examines alleged obstruction of federal immigration agents by Tim Walz and Jacob Frey

The Department of Justice is examining whether Walz and Frey conspired to impede federal immigration officers during recent enforcement actions in the Twin Cities.

The investigation follows a large-scale federal immigration surge that reportedly resulted in thousands of arrests and tense encounters between agents and local residents.

Federal officials are reviewing whether public statements, local policies, or actions by state and city leaders violated laws that prohibit interference with federal officers through force, threats, or intimidation.

No charges have been announced, and both Walz and Frey have not been formally accused of wrongdoing as the investigation continues.