Deputy AG’s Statement
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated on Sunday that the Department of Justice is not conducting an investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs officer in Minneapolis.
He accused Democratic leaders of spreading misinformation regarding ICE’s enforcement actions in Minnesota and claimed they encouraged protesters to disrupt operations.
“We don’t just go out and investigate every time an officer is forced to defend himself or when his life is at risk,” Mr. Blanche explained during an appearance on “Fox News Sunday.” He emphasized that the DOJ only investigates when it deems necessary, stating, “That is not the case here.”
Mr. Blanche asserted, “We are not going to bow to pressure from the media or politicians and do something we never do — not under this administration, nor the last.”
The department is also looking into whether Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have obstructed immigration enforcement through their public comments.
“You saw the governor and the mayor actively encouraging individuals to impede ICE — that is against our law,” Mr. Blanche remarked. He stressed that federal law prohibits anyone from obstructing a federal officer in their duties.
Mayor Frey has accused the administration of attempting to intimidate him and other local leaders, while Governor Walz described the investigation as another instance of weaponizing the Justice Department under Trump’s leadership.
The January 7 shooting of Ms. Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, has intensified discussions surrounding President Trump’s immigration policies and led to nationwide protests, some resulting in violent confrontations with federal agents.
