Minneapolis County Attorney Investigates Federal Agents, Including Border Patrol Chief, for Potential Criminal Charges

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty seeks public tips on "potentially unlawful behavior" by agents involved in Operation Metro Surge

Mar. 3, 2026 at 9:35pm

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The Hennepin County Attorney's Office in Minneapolis has launched an investigation into 17 incidents involving federal agents, including Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino, and is asking the public to provide information about "potentially unlawful behavior" committed by agents during Operation Metro Surge. County Attorney Mary Moriarty said her office will investigate the incidents and pursue criminal charges where appropriate.

Why it matters

The investigation highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local authorities in Minneapolis, where the deaths of two anti-ICE protesters in January sparked outrage. It also raises questions about the conduct of federal agents involved in controversial immigration crackdown operations.

The details

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office said it is investigating 17 incidents involving federal agents, including Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino, who previously led the immigration enforcement mission in Minnesota known as Operation Metro Surge. Bovino left the area after the deaths of anti-ICE protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti in January. The county attorney's office has opened an online portal to collect tips from the public about "potentially unlawful behavior" by the agents involved in the operation.

  • On January 21, an incident was captured on video where Bovino allegedly tossed a canister of chemical irritants at protesters after giving them a warning to disperse.
  • Also on January 21, a photographer captured an officer apparently directly spraying an irritant into a protester's face after he was pinned to the ground.

The players

Gregory Kent Bovino

Former Border Patrol Chief who headed the immigration enforcement mission in Minnesota known as Operation Metro Surge.

Mary Moriarty

Hennepin County Attorney who is leading the investigation into the federal agents and has asked the public to provide information about "potentially unlawful behavior" committed by the agents.

Renee Good

Anti-ICE protester who died in January, sparking outrage and the investigation.

Alex Pretti

Anti-ICE protester who died in January, sparking outrage and the investigation.

Tom Homan

Border czar who was sent to oversee Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis after Bovino left, and has since withdrawn the federal officers and ended the operation.

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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.”

— Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County Attorney

“Make no mistake, we are not afraid of any legal fight. But we will do this ethically, responsibly, and vigorously. TAP is fundamental to our efforts to ensure the transparency and accountability that our community deserves. This is just the beginning.”

— Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County Attorney

“I'm very proud of what you, the mean green machine, are doing in Minneapolis right now, just like you've done it across the United States over these past tough nine months. I also want you to know that I've got your back, now and always — I love you, I support you, and I salute you.”

— Gregory Kent Bovino

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Gregory Kent Bovino out on bail.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local authorities in Minneapolis, as well as concerns about the conduct of federal agents involved in controversial crackdown operations. It underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in policing, especially when it comes to the actions of federal law enforcement.