A US federal judge has blocked the Trump regime's efforts to subpoena Democratic state officials in Minnesota, dealing a setback to the administration's probe of those who opposed its mass deportation raids. District Judge Patrick Schiltz quashed subpoenas issued against Governor Tim Walz and five other officials on Monday.

In his ruling, Judge Schiltz found that the dominant purpose of the subpoenas was to coerce Minnesota officials into assisting with civil immigration enforcement and to harass them for failing to do so. The order, issued June 17, was unsealed Monday.

The Trump regime has faced persistent criticism for allegedly using prosecutions and investigations to target perceived political enemies. The subpoenas sought broad information on whether the officials' opposition to the raids constituted obstruction of federal authorities.

The raids sparked widespread protests in Minnesota, particularly after federal agents fatally shot two US citizens. State officials decried the operations as a power grab and an attempt to intimidate cities seen as resistance hubs.

Governor Walz welcomed the ruling, calling it a victory for the rule of law and democracy. He stated that the DOJ investigation was politically motivated and meritless, vowing to continue exercising his constitutional rights.

Source: www.aljazeera.com