Minnesota Prosecutor Launches Investigation into Federal Immigration Officers' Conduct

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced an investigation on Monday that could lead to charges against federal immigration officers, including Border Patrol official Greg Bovino, for misconduct during Operation Metro Surge, a recent immigration enforcement crackdown in Minneapolis. The investigation focuses on 17 incidents, including one where Bovino threw a smoke canister at protesters on January 21 and another involving federal officers making an arrest outside a high school and deploying chemical irritants while students and staff were present.

Moriarty stated during a news conference that her office is committed to pursuing the investigation despite potential legal challenges. "Make no mistake, we are not afraid of the legal fight, and we are committed to doing this correctly," she said. "Operation Metro Surge caused immeasurable harm to our community."

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees immigration enforcement, responded in a statement that such enforcement is a federal responsibility and states cannot prosecute federal officers. "What these States are trying to do is unlawful, and they know it," the statement said. "Federal officials acting in the course of their duties are immune from liability under state law."

Bovino, who emerged as a key figure in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement operations, is known for bringing aggressive tactics to crackdowns in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago, and Los Angeles. In Chicago, federal officers frequently deployed chemical irritants as crowd control measures in residential neighborhoods. A judge had ordered Bovino to wear a body camera and appear in court daily to answer questions about the crackdown, but that order was overturned before his first mandated appearance.

Moriarty's office has set up an online portal where photos, videos, and eyewitness accounts from any point during Operation Metro Surge can be uploaded. The investigation also includes the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were fatally shot by federal officers in separate incidents in January. Moriarty expressed confidence that her office will be able to pursue charges in these cases.

In response to the challenges her office would face in bringing charges against federal agents, Moriarty emphasized their commitment to transparency and accountability. Mark Osler, who served as director of the criminal division under Moriarty, stated that regardless of whether there are charges, the public can look forward to more clarity about what happened during Operation Metro Surge.