Minnesota Investigates Federal Law Enforcement Actions During Immigration Crackdown

Thu Apr 16 2026 22:25:24 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Minnesota begins to probe several incidents involving federal law enforcement during the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts, including charges against an ICE agent.

Minnesota has initiated investigations into the actions of federal law enforcement officers during the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policy. Hennepin County has brought charges against an ICE agent for assault after he allegedly pointed his gun at civilians. Other high-profile cases include the shooting of a nurse during a protest and the wrongful arrest of a Hmong American man. While the federal government contends that state prosecutors lack jurisdiction over federal officers, Minnesota continues to pursue accountability amid rising public concern.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota has launched investigations into the actions of several federal law enforcement officers during the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in the Twin Cities.

On Thursday, Hennepin County announced charges against an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent accused of pointing his gun at a motorist and passenger on a Minneapolis highway. A local prosecutor described the warrant for Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr.'s arrest as the first of its kind against an officer involved in the crackdown in Minnesota.

The government has suggested Minnesota prosecutors don’t have jurisdiction to investigate federal officers. Nevertheless, Minnesota last month sued the administration for access to evidence for investigations into three shootings, including two that resulted in deaths.

Alex Pretti

Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was shot and killed by federal officers while protesting on January 24. The Trump administration claimed the shooting was defensive, stating Pretti had a firearm and was resisting arrest. However, multiple videos contradict this, showing him holding only his phone during the incident.

The Justice Department announced the FBI is conducting a civil rights investigation into Pretti’s death, while Customs and Border Patrol is review its protocols regarding use of force.

Renee Good

Good, 37, was shot and killed by an ICE officer while blocking a residential street with her SUV. The officer claims to have acted in self-defense, alleging Good's actions created a dangerous situation.

Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis

Sosa-Celis suffered a gunshot wound in January when a federal officer shot him. Though initially accused of assaulting an officer, all charges were eventually dropped, prompting an inquiry into the integrity of the officers' testimonies.

ChongLy “Scott” Thao

Thao's arrest by ICE has been described as potentially unlawful; he was taken from his home in freezing conditions without appropriate clothing. A county investigation is underway into whether Thao was unlawfully detained.

In total, Hennepin County's Attorney has indicated that her office is reviewing numerous cases of potential misconduct by federal officers, with the aim of ensuring accountability in these incidents.