Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Attorney General Pam Bondi fires six federal prosecutors over insufficient support for ICE — Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Fox News that she had fired six federal prosecutors who resigned over DOJ pressure to investigate Renee Nicole Good's widow rather than the ICE agent's conduct. Bondi characterized the prosecutors' departure as a failure to "sufficiently support law enforcement," stating "We had six prosecutors who suddenly decided they didn't want to support the men and women of ICE. So, the breaking news tonight is I fired them all."

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• Federal judge dismisses DOJ lawsuit seeking California voter data — U.S. District Judge David Carter ruled Thursday that the Trump administration's Justice Department is not entitled to sensitive California voter information, including dates of birth and last four social security digits. The DOJ had sued California after the state's secretary of state refused to provide unredacted voter rolls, claiming the data was needed to verify voter eligibility. Carter found the request threatened voting rights and democracy, noting evidence the government intended to use the data for immigration enforcement and create a centralized database. The ruling blocks one of 24 similar lawsuits filed across states.

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• U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez prohibits DHS retaliation against protesters — U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez in Minneapolis issued an order prohibiting agents from the Department of Homeland Security from retaliating against or arresting peaceful protesters, using pepper spray or other less-lethal weapons against them, or stopping or detaining people following their vehicles. The judge's decision detailed how agents had treated protesters based on sworn testimony from plaintiffs, while noting that DHS agents did not provide sworn declarations from officers present at the incidents, instead relying on a declaration from the acting field office director who was not present at any of the incidents.
• Motion granted — Tincher v. Noem (D. Minn.) 0:25-cv-04669 — Judge Menendez granted Plaintiffs' motion in part, prohibiting federal agents from arresting, threatening, or using force against individuals solely for observing, recording, or verbally criticizing immigration enforcement activity, absent probable cause or a lawful order to disperse. The court also restricted the use of chemical irritants and other force against non-violent observers and imposed limits on vehicle stops.

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• Federal appeals court overturns detention challenge ruling in Mahmoud Khalil case — A federal appeals court overturned the ruling in the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate arrested in March 2025 for pro-Palestinian activism. The reversal opens the door to his eventual re-detention. Khalil, whose initial arrest was cited as the first target of Trump's effort to deport noncitizen students with pro-Palestinian views, plans to appeal the appellate decision.
• US appeals court reverses lower court decision freeing Palestinian activist from ICE detention — A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit reversed a lower court's order releasing Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student, from immigration detention. The court found that the district court lacked jurisdiction to hear Khalil's habeas petition, ruling that immigration courts—not federal courts—have authority over such claims. Khalil had been detained in March 2025 after the Trump administration argued his pro-Palestinian activism constituted a threat to US foreign policy. He was released in June 2025 but now faces potential re-detention.

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• Illinois Governor forms accountability commission for federal immigration enforcement — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker formed an accountability commission to document activities of federal ICE officers during the "Midway Blitz" operation. The commission's stated intent is to analyze documented conduct of federal officers and identify conduct requiring corrective action and remediation based on egregiousness and community impact.
• New York Attorney General launches evidence portal for federal immigration misconduct — New York Attorney General Letitia James launched an online portal to gather evidence of federal ICE misconduct following October 2025 raids on Canal Street. State legislator Julia Salazar called for arrest and prosecution of ICE officers who assault New Yorkers. This initiative reflects state-level efforts to document and prosecute federal agents when the federal government declines to do so.

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• ACLU and attorneys file class-action lawsuit against Trump administration for alleged racial profiling by ICE in Minneapolis — On 15 January 2026, the ACLU and other attorneys filed a class-action lawsuit against the Trump administration alleging that ICE agents engaged in racial profiling and unlawful arrest of three Minnesotans and others in the Minneapolis area. The lawsuit was filed amid a broader pattern of reported targeting of Latino and Somali communities by federal agents deployed to the region. One plaintiff, a US citizen, reported being stopped by masked ICE agents while walking to lunch; in another incident, ICE officers asked people of color for documentation of legal status while they charged electric vehicles.
• Minnesota, Minneapolis, and Saint Paul sue to halt Operation Metro Surge — The states of Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul filed lawsuits seeking to halt Operation Metro Surge, the federal ICE deployment of approximately 2,000 agents to the Twin Cities area. The legal action challenged the scope and conduct of the federal enforcement operation. The ACLU filed a separate federal case alleging unconstitutional stops, detentions, and racial profiling by ICE agents conducting the operation.
• ACLU files lawsuit against Trump administration alleging racial profiling and unlawful arrests by ICE in Minnesota — The American Civil Liberties Union filed a 72-page lawsuit on January 16, 2026, against the Trump administration, naming the Department of Homeland Security and Secretary Kristi Noem as defendants. The suit alleges that federal immigration agents in Minnesota have engaged in systematic racial profiling and unlawful arrests targeting Somali and Latino communities, including U.S. citizens. The lawsuit documents cases of detained citizens who were not asked about their citizenship status, were denied basic rights, and were subjected to violence, including pepper-spraying of a plaintiff recording from a public sidewalk.

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• Pete Hegseth announced Pentagon takeover of Stars and Stripes editorial content — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that the Department of War is taking over editorial content decision-making for Stars and Stripes, the military publication. Hegseth stated the publication would be refocused away from "woke distractions" and toward warfighting, weapons systems, and military lethality. The Pentagon's statement challenged the editorial independence of Stars and Stripes, which has long retained independence under a congressional mandate governed by First Amendment principles.
• Stars and Stripes Editor-in-Chief Erik Slavin defended editorial independence — Stars and Stripes Editor-in-Chief Erik Slavin responded to the Pentagon's takeover announcement by reaffirming the publication's commitment to First Amendment principles and editorial independence. Slavin stated that military personnel who risk their lives in defense of the Constitution have earned the right to press freedoms and accurate, balanced coverage with accountability for military officials.
• Pentagon strikes policy protecting Stars and Stripes editorial independence, seizes control of military newspaper — The Trump administration's Department of Defense published a final rule in the Federal Register on Thursday striking previous policy that required Stars and Stripes to have a civilian editor and independent ombudsman. Pentagon officials will now control content "custom tailored to our warfighters," with the outlet directed to avoid "woke distractions" and focus exclusively on military topics. The action eliminates protections mandated by Congress and a defense department directive guaranteeing "free flow of news and information" without censorship.

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• Representative Robin Kelly announces impeachment articles against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem — Democratic Congresswoman Robin Kelly announced she will file articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, charging her with obstruction of justice, violation of public trust, and self-dealing. The announcement follows Noem's defense of the fatal shooting of US citizen Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent and her announcement that hundreds more federal agents would be deployed to Minneapolis. Kelly's action represents formal congressional impeachment proceedings against a cabinet officer.
• Rep. Kelly introduced three articles of impeachment against Kristi Noem — Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) introduced three articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, which were backed by nearly 70 other House Democrats. The first article accuses Noem of obstruction of Congress by implementing policies limiting lawmakers from conducting oversight visits at ICE detention facilities. The second accuses her of violating public trust by directing DHS agents to arrest people without warrants, use tear gas against citizens, and ignore due process. The third accuses her of self-dealing by steering a federal contract to a firm run by her friend.
• Democratic lawmakers file articles of impeachment against Kristi Noem — Representative Robin Kelly and 70 House Democrats formally introduced three articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on January 15, 2026, citing obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust, and self-dealing. The action follows the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. Kelly alleges Noem withheld appropriated funds, blocked congressional access to DHS facilities, authorized warrantless arrests and violence against citizens, and misused taxpayer dollars for ICE recruitment advertising and contracts. The Republican-controlled House is unlikely to advance the charges.

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• Congressional Progressive Caucus vows to block DHS funding without ICE reforms — On Tuesday, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, led by Ilhan Omar, declared it will oppose all funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless significant reforms to immigration enforcement are enacted. The declaration follows the fatal shooting of US citizen Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week during a Trump administration surge of federal officers. The caucus demands provisions including bans on masked ICE agents, warrant requirements for arrests, and closure of private detention facilities. The opposition could complicate passage of the homeland security appropriations bill, one of 12 funding bills Congress must pass by month's end.

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• Minnesota Attorney General sues Trump administration over ICE surge and excessive force — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit against the federal government on Monday alleging that the Department of Homeland Security's deployment of thousands of ICE agents violates the Administrative Procedures Act through excessive and lethal force, warrantless arrests, racist targeting, and surveillance of courts, churches, and schools. The lawsuit follows the killing of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent, which sparked nationwide protests.
• Minnesota Attorney General files federal lawsuit to halt ICE operation in Minneapolis — Minnesota's attorney general filed a federal lawsuit seeking to stop an ICE operation that fanned out across the Minneapolis area, initially directed at the Somali community. The lawsuit was filed following the fatal shooting of US citizen Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent during the operation. The legal action represents state-level challenge to federal immigration enforcement activities.
• Minnesota Attorney General files lawsuit against Trump administration over DHS enforcement actions — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced he is filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that the Department of Homeland Security's use of excessive and lethal force, warrantless arrests, and targeting of courts, churches, and schools violates the Administrative Procedure Act. Ellison called for courts to end the surge of DHS agents in Minnesota.
• Minnesota attorney general sues Trump administration over ICE surge and use of force — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security on January 13, 2026, alleging excessive and lethal force, warrantless arrests, and targeting of courts, churches, and schools. The suit follows an ICE agent's fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good. Ellison seeks a temporary restraining order and an end to the deployment of thousands of DHS agents in Minnesota, characterizing the surge as unconstitutional and harmful to public safety and civil liberties.
• Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul file lawsuit challenging DHS immigration enforcement surge as constitutional violation — Minnesota's attorney general, Minneapolis's mayor, and St. Paul officials filed a lawsuit on Monday challenging the Trump administration's massive immigration enforcement operation in the Twin Cities. The suit alleges that the Department of Homeland Security is violating First Amendment and other constitutional protections by targeting a progressive, Democratic-leaning state that welcomes immigrants. The lawsuit characterizes the operation as a "federal invasion." The city of Chicago and Illinois separately filed a similar suit over the DHS's "organized bombardment."
• Illinois sued Department of Homeland Security for unlawful ICE and CBP tactics — The state of Illinois filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security alleging unlawful and dangerous tactics used by Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during "Operation Midway Blitz." Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul documented that agents acted as occupiers rather than law enforcement officers, randomly and violently questioning residents, brutally detaining citizens and non-citizens without warrants or probable cause, and using tear gas and chemical weapons against bystanders, injuring dozens including children, elderly persons, and local police officers. Governor J.B. Pritzker stated the actions undermined constitutional rights and threatened public safety.
• Minnesota and Minneapolis and St. Paul sued Trump administration over ICE operations — Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul filed lawsuits against the Trump administration challenging federal immigration enforcement operations that began on January 6. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison characterized the operation as "a federal invasion" and documented that poorly trained, aggressive, and armed federal agents conducted widespread unlawful conduct including terrorizing residents. The lawsuit challenged the legality and constitutionality of the enforcement tactics.

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• Bill and Hillary Clinton refuse House subpoena in Epstein investigation — Bill and Hillary Clinton announced they would not comply with subpoenas issued by the Republican-led House Oversight Committee demanding testimony about their relationships with Jeffrey Epstein. Their attorneys argued the subpoenas were invalid, lacked legislative purpose, and violated separation of powers. Committee Chair James Comer stated he would move to hold Bill Clinton in contempt for failing to appear. The Clintons criticized the investigation as politically motivated and noted the committee had interviewed only two officials while declining to question seven others who had been subpoenaed.
• Rep. Comer said he would hold Clintons in contempt — Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) said he would take steps to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt after the couple refused to testify as part of the House's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. In a letter, the Clintons wrote that they had decided to "fight for this country, its principles, and its people, no matter the consequences."
• House Oversight Committee moves to hold Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress — House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer announced the panel will move to hold Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress after she refused to comply with a subpoena to testify about Jeffrey Epstein. The Clintons jointly declined to appear for depositions, citing separation-of-powers concerns. Comer stated the committee will consider a contempt resolution the following Wednesday; the measure requires approval by the full House before referral to the Department of Justice for potential prosecution.
• Representative Comer threatens contempt of Congress against Bill Clinton — Representative James Comer (R-KY) threatened to hold former President Bill Clinton in contempt of Congress for refusing to appear for a closed-door deposition regarding Epstein. The Clintons responded with a four-page public letter calling the subpoenas invalid and noting that Comer had subpoenaed eight people, then dismissed seven without testimony, while taking no action to force the DOJ to release Epstein files as required by law.

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• Minnesota Attorney General sues Trump administration over ICE surge and excessive force — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit against the federal government on Monday alleging that the Department of Homeland Security's deployment of thousands of ICE agents violates the Administrative Procedures Act through excessive and lethal force, warrantless arrests, racist targeting, and surveillance of courts, churches, and schools. The lawsuit follows the killing of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent, which sparked nationwide protests.

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed: State of Illinois v. Department of Homeland Security — The State of Illinois and City of Chicago filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the Department of Homeland Security, challenging a Border Patrol deployment to Chicago beginning in September 2025 as part of "Operation Midway Blitz." The complaint alleges unlawful immigration enforcement involving warrantless arrests, chemical weapons deployment, and roving patrols, and contends the deployment violates the Tenth Amendment by interfering with state sovereign functions and the Administrative Procedure Act by exceeding statutory authority. Plaintiffs seek declaratory and injunctive relief vacating the policies and enjoining further enforcement.
• Minnesota and Illinois sued Trump administration over immigration enforcement — Minnesota and Illinois filed separate lawsuits against the Trump administration arguing that the president's immigrant crackdown operations in the Minneapolis and Chicago areas violated state sovereignty under the 10th Amendment. Illinois's lawsuit urged a judge to block U.S. Customs and Border Protection from "conducting civil immigration enforcement" in the state without "express congressional authorization."
• Illinois files federal lawsuit against Trump administration over DHS enforcement tactics — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's administration filed a federal lawsuit on January 13, 2026, against the Trump administration challenging the Department of Homeland Security's immigration enforcement operations. The suit seeks to block U.S. Customs and Border Protection from conducting civil immigration enforcement in Illinois and to curb tactics including use of teargas, trespassing on private property, and concealing license plates during operations.

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• Senator Mark Kelly sued Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for military censure in retaliation for protected speech — Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona filed a lawsuit against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Defense Department, Navy Secretary John Phelan, and the Navy Department, alleging violations of his First Amendment rights, the Speech and Debate Clause, separation of powers, due process, federal law governing retired officer ranks (10 USC 1370), and the Administrative Procedure Act. The suit challenges Hegseth's January 5 formal censure of Kelly, which followed Kelly's November 18 participation in a video with five other Democratic veterans in Congress warning military and intelligence personnel that they have a legal duty to refuse unlawful orders. The lawsuit seeks to declare the censure and related actions unlawful and unconstitutional, vacate them, and enjoin their enforcement.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Kelly v. Hegseth (D.D.C.) 1:26-cv-00081 — Plaintiff moved for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction.
• Sen. Kelly sued Secretary Hegseth to block reduction of his Navy rank and retirement pay for protected speech — Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) filed a lawsuit against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth seeking an injunction to prevent unilateral reduction of Kelly's Navy rank and retirement pay in retaliation for a video urging service members not to follow unlawful orders. Kelly's complaint alleges First Amendment violation, retaliation for protected legislative speech, and an unprecedented executive attack on congressional independence and military oversight authority.
• Senator Kelly sued Defense Secretary Hegseth over military retaliation — Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) sued Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon to block their efforts to punish him for a video he participated in last year with other Democratic lawmakers calling on military members to refuse illegal orders, asking a federal judge to find the move "unlawful and unconstitutional."
• Mark Kelly sues Hegseth over military rank reduction and pension censure — Democratic Senator Mark Kelly filed a lawsuit in Washington DC federal court challenging Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's formal censure and threatened demotion/pension reduction. The censure targeted Kelly and five other military-veteran lawmakers for a November video urging service members to resist unlawful orders. Kelly argues the action violates free speech, legislative independence, and separation of powers. The lawsuit names Hegseth, the Department of Defense, the Navy, and Navy Secretary John Phelan as defendants and seeks to vacate the censure and all related actions.
• Senator Mark Kelly files lawsuit against Defense Secretary Hegseth over retaliation for protected speech — Senator Mark Kelly filed a lawsuit seeking to nullify Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's attempt to reduce his rank and pension as punishment for the video urging troops to refuse illegal orders. Kelly characterized Hegseth's actions as an "unconstitutional crusade" that sends a chilling message to retired military members that speaking against the administration will result in loss of rank and pay. Kelly argued that such retaliation violates constitutional protections and sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing military veterans' free speech.
• Pentagon censures Senator Mark Kelly and launches administrative proceedings — Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth formally censured Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, in January and initiated administrative proceedings that could result in rank reduction and pension cuts. Kelly participated in the same November video about military duty to illegal orders. Kelly has responded with litigation arguing the Pentagon's actions violate constitutional protections.

Supporting reports

• DOJ fired federal prosecutor who declined to prosecute Comey — MS NOW reported that the Justice Department fired a federal prosecutor who served as first assistant to the now-disqualified U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan after he declined to lead the prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey.
• Six DOJ Civil Rights Division leaders resigned in protest — At least six leaders of the criminal section of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division resigned in protest after the DOJ decided not to investigate the ICE officer who shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis, a process that usually takes place after any fatal shooting by a law enforcement officer.
• Federal leadership responded to ICE killings with defensive messaging and threats toward critics — After Renee Good was killed by ICE, federal leadership responded with defensive messaging, threats toward critics, and rhetoric framing accountability as an attack on law enforcement. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem appeared publicly behind messaging stating "One of ours, all of yours," signaling protection from consequences rather than transparency or restraint.
• DOJ Civil Rights Division officials resigned after being ordered not to investigate ICE agent's killing of Renee Nicole Good — Four high-ranking officials in the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division resigned in protest after the Trump DOJ instructed them to investigate the victim, Renee Nicole Good, rather than the ICE agent who shot and killed her. The resignations follow a February wave of departures from the DOJ's Public Integrity Section, where prosecutors refused orders to dismiss a bribery case against New York Mayor Eric Adams. The departures reflect broader institutional collapse within the DOJ, with thousands of career officials resigning or fired.
• Four leaders of DOJ Civil Rights Division criminal section resigned over ICE shooting decision — At least four leaders of the criminal section of the Civil Rights Division at DOJ resigned to protest the decision by Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon not to investigate the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good. The departures included the chief of the section, principal deputy chief, deputy chief, and acting deputy chief. This represents the most significant mass resignation at DOJ since February 2025, when five leaders of the Public Integrity Section resigned rather than comply with orders to dismiss the bribery case against former New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
• Department of Justice declined to investigate shooting as civil rights violation — The Department of Justice declined to investigate the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross as a civil rights attack. Instead, the DOJ classified the incident as an assault on a federal officer and initiated an investigation into Good's ties to local activists rather than examining the shooting itself. This prosecutorial decision prompted the resignation of at least six career prosecutors from the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division.
• DOJ declines civil-rights investigation into Minneapolis ICE shooting — The Trump administration's Department of Justice leadership declined to open a civil-rights investigation into a Minneapolis ICE shooting incident, stating there was "no basis" for review while the FBI continues its investigation. In response, four senior supervisors in DOJ's Civil Rights Division resigned in protest, citing their exclusion from the case and objecting to the refusal to initiate civil-rights oversight. The resignations signal internal resistance to narrowing accountability mechanisms.
• Federal prosecutors resign from DOJ civil rights division over blocked investigation into ICE shooting — Six lawyers from the US attorney's office in Minnesota and four leaders of the DOJ civil rights division resigned in protest after the department, under assistant attorney general Harmeet Dhillon, declined to investigate the January 7 fatal shooting of unarmed civilian Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated there was "no basis for a criminal civil rights investigation" without elaboration. The resignations reflect broader purging of the civil rights division, which has lost roughly 70% of its staff since Trump's second term began.
• Federal prosecutors resign in protest over DOJ decision not to investigate killing of Renee Nicole Good — Several federal prosecutors resigned in protest after the Department of Justice declined to conduct a civil rights investigation into the killing of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good by a federal immigration agent. The killing sparked widespread protests and prompted state and local legal challenges to the federal immigration enforcement operation. The Trump administration has defended the agent's actions as self-defense, a characterization disputed by local officials and video evidence.
• Four senior DOJ Civil Rights Division supervisors resign over case exclusion — Four senior supervisors in the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division resigned after being told they would be sidelined from the Minnesota ICE shooting investigation. The resignations were framed as protest against both their exclusion from the case and the broader refusal to open civil-rights oversight into the use-of-force incident. The departures represent internal institutional resistance to the narrowing of accountability mechanisms.
• Six career prosecutors resigned from DOJ Civil Rights Division — At least six career prosecutors from the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division resigned in protest over the DOJ's decision not to investigate the fatal shooting of Renee Good as a civil rights violation and instead to investigate Good's ties to local activists.
• DOJ declines to open civil-rights investigation into Minneapolis ICE shooting — The Department of Justice announced it found "no basis" to open a civil-rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. The decision was made by DOJ leadership and signaled that civil-rights review would be granted only at the administration's discretion. The refusal to investigate followed the fatal incident and preceded the resignation of four senior DOJ Civil Rights Division supervisors.
• DOJ Civil Rights Division head Harmeet Dhillon declines to open investigation into ICE agent's fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good — Harmeet Dhillon, head of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, instructed federal prosecutors in the division's criminal section that she would not open an investigation into whether the ICE agent who shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis violated federal law. The Civil Rights Division's criminal section normally handles investigations into law enforcement misconduct, but no probe was announced publicly or pursued internally.
• DOJ senior officials pressure federal prosecutors to investigate Renee Nicole Good's widow for criminality; six prosecutors resign — Senior DOJ officials pressed federal prosecutors to investigate Becca Good, widow of Renee Nicole Good, for possible criminality before the shooting. Six federal prosecutors in Minnesota and Washington, D.C.—including some who worked on fraud-related investigations—resigned in response to the pressure to pursue Good's family rather than investigate the ICE agent's conduct. The prosecutors' resignations were prompted by the DOJ's attempt to weaponize the fatal shooting and redirect the FBI's probe toward Good's family and their connections to local activist groups.
• DOJ civil rights division and federal prosecutors resign over handling of ICE shooting — At least four senior leaders of the DOJ Civil Rights Division and six federal prosecutors in Minnesota resigned in response to how the Trump administration handled the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. The resignations signal institutional breakdown and loss of confidence in federal accountability mechanisms.

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• Senate Democrats advance resolution halting Venezuela military action without congressional authorization — Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer announced that the chamber voted to advance a resolution halting further attacks on Venezuela without congressional permission. The move reflects Democratic messaging that Republicans under Trump prioritize military adventurism overseas while Democrats focus on affordability and domestic costs. The resolution represents a legislative effort to reassert congressional oversight over executive military decisions.
• Republican-controlled Senate voted against war powers resolution on Venezuela — The Republican-controlled Senate voted against a war powers resolution designed to limit Trump's ability to conduct further strikes on Venezuela after two Republican senators who joined with Democrats the previous week to advance the resolution flipped under pressure from Trump.
• US Senate defeats war powers resolution limiting Trump military action in Venezuela — The US Senate voted 50-50 on a war powers resolution that would have required President Trump to seek congressional authorization before taking further military action against Venezuela. Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote to kill the resolution. Republican senators Josh Hawley and Todd Young, who had initially supported the measure, flipped their votes after receiving assurances from the Trump administration that no US troops remained in Venezuela and that Trump would seek congressional approval for any major military operations.

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• DOJ opens criminal investigation into Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell — The Trump administration's Department of Justice opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, rooted in his June 2025 Senate testimony about the Fed's headquarters renovation costs. Powell confirmed the subpoena on Sunday and characterized the investigation as part of a pressure campaign linked to the administration's frustration with the Fed's interest rate policy. Several Republican lawmakers, including Senator Thom Tillis, publicly opposed the investigation as an attack on Fed independence.
• DOJ Subpoenas Federal Reserve in Investigation — The Department of Justice has issued a subpoena to the Federal Reserve as part of an investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell. This investigation is reportedly linked to Powell's testimony before the Senate regarding the costs of the Fed's headquarters renovation. The DOJ's actions have sparked criticism from several Republican lawmakers, who view the investigation as an attempt to undermine the Federal Reserve's independence. Powell has confirmed the subpoena and described the investigation as part of a broader pressure campaign by the Trump administration.
• US Attorney's office in DC opened criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell — The US Attorney's office for the District of Columbia opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell regarding the central bank's renovation of its Washington headquarters and whether Powell made false statements to Congress about the project's scope. The inquiry, approved in November by Jeanine Pirro (a Trump ally appointed to run the office), includes analysis of Powell's public statements and examination of spending records. Powell acknowledged receipt of grand jury subpoenas.
• DOJ threatens Federal Reserve with criminal indictment over interest rate policy — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell publicly stated that the Department of Justice threatened criminal charges against the Fed related to a multi-year renovation project of Federal Reserve office buildings. Powell characterized the threat as retaliation for the Fed's decision to set interest rates based on economic conditions rather than presidential preference, stating the threat was "a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President."

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• Senator Slotkin said she is under federal investigation — Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) said in an interview that federal prosecutors are investigating her for participating in a video with other Democratic lawmakers calling on military members to refuse illegal orders.
• DOJ threatens Federal Reserve with criminal indictment over interest rate policy — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell publicly stated that the Department of Justice threatened criminal charges against the Fed related to a multi-year renovation project of Federal Reserve office buildings. Powell characterized the threat as retaliation for the Fed's decision to set interest rates based on economic conditions rather than presidential preference, stating the threat was "a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President."
• Federal investigation opened against Michigan senator Elissa Slotkin for video urging troops to refuse illegal orders — Michigan senator Elissa Slotkin announced she is under federal investigation by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia for her participation in a video released in 2025 in which she and five other Democratic lawmakers with military backgrounds urged U.S. troops to refuse unlawful orders. The video's message aligns with established military law and constitutional principle. President Trump called the video "seditious behavior by traitors" punishable by death; the White House later clarified he did not seek execution but wanted them "held accountable." Slotkin characterized the investigation as weaponization of federal government to intimidate political opponents.
• Senator Elissa Slotkin faces federal criminal investigation for oath video — Senator Elissa Slotkin is now under federal criminal investigation for appearing in a video urging service members to remember their oath and refuse illegal orders. The investigation represents potential criminalization of speech encouraging military personnel to uphold constitutional obligations and refuse unlawful commands.
• Four additional Democratic lawmakers said they are under investigation — Four additional Democratic lawmakers said they are being investigated by the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia over their participation in a viral video calling on military members to refuse illegal orders.
• Trump DOJ investigates Democratic lawmakers over military video on illegal orders — Three House Democrats—Jason Crow (Colorado), Maggie Goodlander (New Hampshire), and Chrissy Houlahan (Pennsylvania)—confirmed that the U.S. Attorney's Office for D.C., led by Jeanine Pirro, requested interviews regarding their participation in a November video instructing troops they need not comply with illegal orders. The investigation expands to five lawmakers total; the Pentagon also formally censured Senator Mark Kelly and launched administrative proceedings. Trump called the video "seditious" and threatened capital punishment, later walking back but maintaining the lawmakers face "serious jeopardy."

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• ICE Director Todd Lyons threatened Minnesota sheriff over potential prosecution of agent Ross — ICE Director Todd Lyons appeared on Fox News and, when asked about the possibility of Minnesota state authorities prosecuting ICE agent Jonathan Ross for the fatal shooting of Renee Good, stated: "My message to the sheriff is: try and arrest my folks—let's see what happens." The statement constituted a direct threat against state law enforcement attempting to exercise jurisdiction over a federal agent.

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• Senator Thom Tillis opposed confirmation of any Federal Reserve nominee pending resolution of Powell investigation — On January 11, 2026, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, posted that there is no longer any doubt that "advisers within the Trump Administration are actively pushing to end the independence of the Federal Reserve" and stated that "it is now the independence and credibility of the Department of Justice that are in question." Tillis announced he would "oppose the confirmation of any nominee for the Fed—including the upcoming Fed Chair vacancy—until this legal matter is fully resolved."
• Senator Thom Tillis vows to block all Federal Reserve nominations — Senator Thom Tillis announced he would block all Federal Reserve nominations, including the upcoming chair vacancy, until the DOJ investigation into Powell is "fully resolved." Tillis, a member of the banking committee overseeing Fed appointments, stated on X that the investigation demonstrates the Trump administration is "actively pushing to end the independence of the Federal Reserve" and questioned the DOJ's credibility.
• Rep. Bacon expressed concern about DOJ independence in Powell investigation — Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) stated that while he believes the justice system works in the end, the Powell investigation "on the surface, it does appears this is DOJ going after Powell" and emphasized that "the independence of the Fed is vitally important."
• Rep. Lawler opposed pressure on Federal Reserve independence — Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) stated that while he believes Powell was late in addressing inflation and slow in lowering interest rates, "the independence of the Federal Reserve is paramount and I oppose any effort to pressure them into action."
• Republican senators demanded investigation into DOJ weaponization of federal law enforcement — Republican lawmakers publicly demanded an investigation into Trump's Department of Justice for weaponizing federal law enforcement against Federal Reserve Chair Powell. Senator Lisa Murkowski stated the investigation was coercive and noted that cost overruns on federal projects do not constitute grounds for criminal prosecution. Senator Thom Tillis blocked Trump's nominees to the Federal Reserve and Department of Homeland Security until the DOJ's conduct is investigated, also noting that Kristi Noem refused to appear before Congress.
• Sen. Murkowski characterized Powell investigation as coercion attempt — Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) stated that after speaking with Chair Powell, the administration's investigation is "nothing more than an attempt at coercion." She called for Congress to investigate DOJ if it believes project cost overruns warrant inquiry, and warned that loss of Federal Reserve independence would destabilize markets and the broader economy. She supported Sen. Tillis's position on blocking Fed nominees.
• Sen. Tillis announced opposition to any Fed nominees pending resolution of Powell investigation — Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), a member of the Senate Banking Committee where Republicans hold a one-seat majority, announced he will oppose confirmation of any Federal Reserve nominee, including the upcoming Fed Chair vacancy, until the DOJ investigation into Powell is fully resolved. Tillis stated the investigation demonstrates that Trump administration advisers are actively pushing to end Federal Reserve independence.
• Former Fed Chairs and economic officials issued joint statement on Powell investigation — All living former Federal Reserve Chairs (Bernanke, Greenspan, Yellen), bipartisan former Treasury Secretaries (Geithner, Paulson, and others), and bipartisan former Council of Economic Advisers Chairs (Hubbard, Mankiw, Romer, Furman) issued a joint statement characterizing the criminal inquiry into Chair Powell as "an unprecedented attempt to use prosecutorial attacks to undermine" Federal Reserve independence. They warned that such actions occur in emerging markets with weak institutions and have no place in the United States.

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• Trump administration refused congressional oversight visit to ICE detention facility in Minneapolis — On January 10, the Trump administration denied Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar access to conduct an oversight visit at an ICE detention facility in Minneapolis. This denial came two days after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem signed a new policy memo restricting congressional visits to such facilities. Omar stated the action was "a blatant attempt to obstruct members of Congress from doing their oversight duties."

Supporting reports

• ICE blocks three House members from detention facility visit despite prior judicial ruling — Three Democratic House members from Minnesota—Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig, and Kelly Morrison—were blocked from entering an ICE detention facility near Minneapolis on January 10, 2026, despite having notified the facility in advance. Although initially permitted entry, they were ejected approximately 10 minutes later. This action directly violated a federal judge's ruling from the previous month that the Trump administration cannot bar members of Congress from visiting immigrant detention facilities. Officials cited funding from the Big Beautiful Bill Act as justification for the denial.
• U.S. Representatives attempt entry to Minneapolis ICE facility — On the morning of Saturday, January 11, 2026, U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison, and Angie Craig attempted to enter a Minneapolis ICE facility. ICE unlawfully denied them entry, according to the representatives' subsequent accusations.
• Minnesota congressional delegation denied access to ICE detention facility — A contingent of Minnesota representatives, including Rep. Angie Craig, attempted to gain access to a local ICE detention facility and were turned away by a large group of ICE agents in full tactical gear. ICE officials told the representatives that because the facility was funded by the "Big Beautiful Bill" rather than the congressional appropriations act, they would not be allowed to enter. When Craig informed them they were violating the law, ICE officials responded that "they didn't care."

Supporting reports

• Federal judge blocks Trump's $10 billion antipoverty funding freeze — A federal judge blocked President Trump's executive order to cut $10 billion in antipoverty funding to five Democratic-led states: California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York. The order was issued based on unsubstantiated fraud allegations, particularly targeting Minnesota's child care system following debunked claims by a right-wing YouTuber about Somali-American day care centers.
• Federal judge blocks Trump administration's attempt to cut childcare funding to blue states — A federal judge blocked Trump's earlier efforts to cut childcare funding to multiple blue states, preventing the administration from using federal childcare programs as a tool for political retaliation.