Education Minnesota statement on DOJ investigation of Walz, Frey
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CHRIS WILLIAMS
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota. Jan. 17, 2026 – Education Minnesota responded on Saturday to reports that the U.S. Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation of Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey after the elected leaders called for peaceful, constitutionally projected protest and monitoring of the incursion of federal agents into Minnesota.
“The only government officials following the Constitution and encouraging peace have been Gov. Walz and Minnesota leaders. Any social studies teacher – including our governor – could tell you that blowing a whistle and constitutional observance is our civic duty,” said Monica Byron, president of Education Minnesota. “Prosecuting leaders who call for Americans to exercise their First Amendment rights as ICE brings violence and chaos to our streets should serve as an alarm bell to every American who cherishes their freedom to speak out against injustice when they see it.”
Byron said the deployment of federal agents in Minnesota continues to disrupt many schools in the Twin Cities metro area and beyond.
“No matter their color or background, no child can learn when they’re terrified of masked men with guns roaming their neighborhoods, circling their schools and stalking their bus stops,” she said. “Educators need these agents to stay away from Minnesota schools so educators and students can get back to teaching and learning. Our students are not bait.”
About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.
