Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz on Friday responded to the Justice Department opening an investigation into him and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, claiming the move was an "authoritarian tactic." 

The federal investigation is looking into whether the Democratic leaders obstructed law enforcement activities, as well as whether Walz turned a blind eye to a massive fraud scheme in his state. 

Walz highlighted that the investigation comes after the Trump administration allegedly opened investigations into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell for allegedly lying to Congress, and Democratic Sens. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mark Kelly of Arizona over a "seditious" video that reminded soldiers they can refuse "illegal orders."

"Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic," Walz said on X. "The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her."

Frey claimed in a post on X that the new probe was an attempt to intimidate him for "standing up for Minneapolis, local law enforcement, and residents against the chaos and danger this Administration has brought to our city."

"I will not be intimidated," he continued in a short thread. "My focus remains where it’s always been: keeping our city safe. America depends on leaders that use integrity and the rule of law as the guideposts for governance. Neither our city nor our country will succumb to this fear. We stand rock solid." 

The comment comes as tensions in Minnesota increase over recent shootings involving federal immigration officers. One ICE agent fatally shot a woman last week who allegedly rammed the agent with her car. Minnesota officials argue that the shooting was unjustified, while federal officials counter that the agent acted in self-defense.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.