Federal immigration agents have been thrust into the spotlight following a serious incident in Minneapolis, resulting in criminal charges against an officer. On Thursday, prosecutors in Minnesota announced that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent has been charged with assault for allegedly pointing his gun at people in a car while driving on a Minneapolis highway.
First Criminal Case Linked to Trump-Era Crackdown
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stated that she believes this is the first criminal case brought against a federal immigration officer involved in the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. This initiative surged federal authorities into various cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland, and New Orleans, during the previous administration.
Details of the Alleged Assault
According to an arrest warrant, Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr, 35, was charged with two counts of second-degree aggravated assault. The warrant alleges that Morgan was working as an ICE officer in the Minneapolis area on 5 February 2026 when he pointed a gun at the occupants of a vehicle on Minnesota State Highway 62.
During a news conference, Moriarty explained that Morgan was driving a rented, unmarked SUV on the shoulder of the highway. A car on the road moved into the shoulder to try to slow Morgan down, not knowing he was a federal officer. After the car returned to the legal lane, Morgan pulled up alongside and pointed his service weapon at the people in the car.
Incident Occurred During Routine Travel
Charging documents note that Morgan and his partner, who was not charged, were on their way to the federal building to end their shift when they were caught in traffic. The documents emphasize that Morgan did not say the incident occurred during an enforcement action, raising questions about the context of his behavior.
According to the charging documents, Morgan told a Minnesota State Patrol officer that he pulled up alongside the victim's vehicle, drew his firearm, and yelled: "Police. Stop." However, the warrant states that the victims couldn't hear him because their windows were up, complicating the justification for his actions.
Legal Consequences and Prosecutorial Stance
Morgan was charged with two counts of assault because he threatened both people in the vehicle, and there is a warrant out for his arrest. Moriarty asserted that Morgan's actions were beyond the scope of a federal officer's authority, declaring, "There is no such thing as absolute immunity for federal agents who violate the law in the state of Minnesota."
In Minnesota, felony second-degree assault is punishable by up to seven years in prison, or up to 10 years' imprisonment if the assault inflicted "substantial bodily harm." This case could set a precedent for how similar incidents involving federal agents are handled in the future.
Responses and Investigation
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Justice Department officials did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment on the charges. The Associated Press attempted to contact Morgan by calling a number associated with him and sending a message to a possible email address but did not receive any immediate response.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local jurisdictions, particularly in areas affected by previous crackdowns. As the case progresses, it may influence policies and training for ICE agents operating in urban environments.
