Federal judge halts Trump administration's subpoenas to Minnesota officials over harassment concerns.
Central Oregon Daily News.
A federal judge has blocked subpoenas issued by the Trump administration to Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz, declaring them unconstitutional and intended to harass political opponents. The subpoenas sought records related to allegations that these officials obstructed federal immigration enforcement during a crackdown that resulted in significant protests and fatalities.
District Judge Patrick Schiltz emphasized that the subpoenas were designed to coerce state officials into compliance with federal immigration laws and to retaliate against them for their resistance. He pointed out that the connections between the information sought and any potential criminal violations were extremely weak or nonexistent, indicating that the subpoenas were not for legitimate investigative purposes.
Governor Walz hailed the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. Meanwhile, other officials expressed concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department under the Trump administration.
**Sources:** Central Oregon Daily News, East Idaho News, The New Civil Rights Movement, United Press International, USA Today.
Federal judge rules DOJ's access to Maryland voter database is unauthorized and unconstitutional.
CBS News
Judge Stephanie Gallagher emphasized that federal law does not support the DOJ's demand for such data, which includes names, addresses, and Social Security numbers of voters. Maryland officials, including Attorney General Anthony Brown, hailed the ruling as a victory for voter privacy and a rejection of federal overreach.
The decision aligns with previous court rulings that have consistently denied the DOJ's attempts to obtain similar voter information from other states. The ruling reinforces the principle that states have the right to manage their own election processes without federal interference.
**Sources:** CBS News, Mississippi Free Press, The Baltimore Sun, The Texas Tribune, WBAL-TV.
States urged to protect voters following Supreme Court rulings and federal actions.
Public Broadcasting Service.
States are being urged to take proactive measures to protect voters in light of recent Supreme Court rulings that have weakened federal voting rights protections. In Georgia, Republican leaders opted not to redraw congressional districts during a special session, citing concerns over the implications of the Supreme Court's decision in *Louisiana v. Callais*, which could diminish minority representation. Civil rights activists celebrated this decision, emphasizing the importance of grassroots advocacy in safeguarding democracy.
Meanwhile, Michigan's legislature has proposed a state-level Voting Rights Act to address gaps left by the Supreme Court's actions. This legislation would allow individuals to challenge local voting restrictions and aims to enhance access to voting materials while creating a database to improve election administration.
In Wisconsin, advocates are expressing concern over changes in federal oversight of special education and civil rights. They fear that the shift to different departments may complicate support for students with disabilities. Overall, these developments highlight the critical role of state legislatures in ensuring voter protections amidst federal changes.
**Sources:** Michigan Public Radio, Public Broadcasting Service, Wisconsin Public Radio, WJCL ABC News.