Minnesota County Attorney Investigating Federal Officials Over Immigration Crackdown

Hennepin County Attorney's Office probing incidents involving Border Patrol's Gregory Bovino and others during Operation Metro Surge

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Hennepin County Attorney's Office in Minneapolis is investigating former US Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino and other federal agents over the immigration crackdown there that led to months of clashes between officers and protesters. The county is collecting evidence from the public and pursuing charges where appropriate.

Why it matters

The investigation highlights growing tensions between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement, as well as concerns over the tactics used during the crackdown that allegedly caused harm to the community.

The details

As part of the 'Transparency and Accountability Project', the county is investigating 17 incidents reported by the public, including an encounter where Bovino was seen deploying a chemical agent into a crowd of protesters. The county is also fighting the federal government for access to evidence from a separate incident where a US citizen was fatally shot by agents.

  • On January 1, Bovino was allegedly involved in an incident where he deployed a chemical agent into a crowd of protesters.
  • On February 12, White House border czar Tom Homan announced that Operation Metro Surge would end.

The players

Gregory Bovino

Former US Border Patrol commander who was involved in the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.

Mary Moriarty

Hennepin County Attorney leading the investigation into federal agents' conduct during the crackdown.

Renee Good

US citizen fatally shot by federal agents during the immigration crackdown, sparking widespread protests.

Alex Pretti

US citizen fatally shot by federal agents during the immigration crackdown, sparking widespread protests.

Tom Homan

White House border czar who took over Operation Metro Surge from Bovino and announced its end.

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What they’re saying

“We will investigate and pursue charging where appropriate, and we'll seek collaboration with local law enforcement wherever and whenever needed. Make no mistake, we are not afraid of any legal fight. But we will do this ethically, responsibly, and vigorously.”

— Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County Attorney (CNN)

“There are many victims whose stories need to be told.”

— Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County Attorney (CNN)

What’s next

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office is currently in court fighting with the federal government for access to evidence from the Pretti shooting.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the ongoing tensions between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement, as well as concerns over the tactics used during the crackdown that allegedly caused harm to the community. The county's efforts to hold federal agents accountable and provide transparency could set an important precedent for how such operations are conducted in the future.