Minnesota Prosecutor Launches Investigation into Federal Immigration Officers
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty has initiated a significant investigation that could result in criminal charges against federal immigration officers, including prominent US Border Patrol official Greg Bovino. The probe focuses on alleged misconduct during a recent immigration enforcement operation known as "Metro Surge," which has sparked nationwide criticism and protests.
Details of the Cases Under Scrutiny
Moriarty's office is examining 17 specific incidents, with a particular emphasis on events that occurred in January 2026. One notable case involves Greg Bovino, who is accused of throwing a smoke canister at protesters in Minneapolis on January 21. Additionally, the investigation includes the fatal shootings of two US citizens, 37-year-old Renee Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24, by federal agents.
Another incident under review took place on January 7, when federal officers made an arrest outside a high school and deployed chemical irritants while students and staff were present. Moriarty stated, "Make no mistake – we are not afraid of the legal fight, and we are committed to doing this correctly." She emphasized that Operation Metro Surge has caused immeasurable harm to the community.
Federal Response and Legal Challenges
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded swiftly, asserting that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that states lack the authority to prosecute federal officers acting within their duties. In a statement, DHS claimed, "What these states are trying to do is unlawful, and they know it. Federal officials acting in the course of their duties are immune from liability under state law." The statement further suggested that local officials should consider how their actions might endanger federal law enforcement personnel.
Greg Bovino, a key figure in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts, is known for employing aggressive tactics in cities like Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago, and Los Angeles. In Chicago, federal officers under his command frequently used chemical irritants for crowd control in residential areas, leading to a court order requiring Bovino to wear a body camera and appear daily in court—an order that was later overturned. Bovino was eventually removed from his leadership role in Minnesota following the fatal shootings of Good and Pretti.
Scope and Implications of the Investigation
Moriarty's investigation will concentrate solely on incidents within Hennepin County, which includes Minneapolis and its suburbs, despite federal enforcement activities occurring throughout the Twin Cities region. She has established an online portal for the public to submit photos, videos, and eyewitness accounts related to Operation Metro Surge.
Rachel Moran, a professor of criminal law and policing at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis, commented on the potential charges, stating, "These would be situations where the state has to determine: is there evidence that agents acted unlawfully and outside the scope of their authorized duties? I think agents did illegal things here. I watched it." Examples under consideration include unjustified use of chemical weapons, physical assaults, and property damage.
Obstacles and Future Steps
Moriarty faces significant hurdles in pursuing charges against federal agents. She has threatened to sue the federal government if evidence requested for the Good and Pretti investigations is not provided by Tuesday. "The question is, should we charge in federal court? Do we expect the federal government to obstruct us? I would say they're already doing that," she remarked.
The Justice Department (DoJ) has opened a civil rights inquiry into Pretti's death but found no basis for a similar investigation into Good's death. The FBI has blocked state investigators from accessing evidence in Good's case. Both the DoJ and FBI did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Mark Osler, a former director of the criminal division under Moriarty and now a law professor at the University of St. Thomas, highlighted the importance of transparency. "One of the most important roles that prosecution has ... is truth-telling, is to bring to the surface what actually happened at a given time. We'll all know more than just what we saw in those initial videos by the time she's done. I'm confident of that," he said.
Despite the challenges, Moriarty remains committed to accountability and transparency in this high-stakes legal battle.
