Minnesota Prosecutor Launches Investigation Into Federal Immigration Enforcement

Probe may lead to charges against Border Patrol official Greg Bovino and other federal officers for misconduct during crackdown

Mar. 3, 2026 at 1:47am

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Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced an investigation into 17 cases of alleged misconduct by federal immigration officers, including Border Patrol official Greg Bovino, during a recent crackdown in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The investigation could lead to criminal charges against the officers for actions such as throwing smoke canisters at protesters and using chemical irritants near a high school.

Why it matters

The investigation highlights growing tensions between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement, as well as concerns about the tactics used by federal agents during immigration raids and protests. It also comes after two fatal shootings by federal officers during the crackdown, which sparked nationwide demonstrations and criticism of the Department of Homeland Security's use-of-force policies.

The details

Moriarty said her office is looking into 17 cases, including one where Bovino allegedly threw a smoke canister at protesters on Jan. 21 and another on Jan. 7 involving federal officers making an arrest outside a high school and deploying chemical irritants while students and staff were present. Bovino, known for his aggressive tactics, was eventually removed from his leading role in the Minnesota effort after the fatal shootings of two individuals. Moriarty's office has set up an online portal for the public to submit photos, videos and eyewitness accounts from the crackdown.

  • On January 7, federal officers allegedly made an arrest outside a high school and deployed chemical irritants while students and staff were present.
  • On January 21, Bovino allegedly threw a smoke canister at protesters.

The players

Mary Moriarty

The Hennepin County Attorney who announced the investigation into alleged misconduct by federal immigration officers.

Greg Bovino

A Border Patrol official known for bringing aggressive tactics to immigration enforcement crackdowns in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Renee Good

A 37-year-old mother who was fatally shot by federal officers during the crackdown, leading to nationwide demonstrations and criticisms of DHS use-of-force policies.

Alex Pretti

A 37-year-old nurse who was also fatally shot by federal officers during the crackdown.

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What they’re saying

“Make no mistake, we are not afraid of the legal fight, and we are committed to doing this correctly. Operation Metro Surge caused immeasurable harm to our community.”

— Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County Attorney

“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.”

— Rachel Moran, Professor of Criminal Law and Policing, University of St. Thomas School of Law

What’s next

Moriarty's office has set a Tuesday deadline for the federal government to provide the evidence she has requested for the investigations. If the government does not respond, she said her office is prepared to sue to obtain the evidence.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the growing tensions between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement, as well as concerns about the tactics used by federal agents during immigration raids and protests. It underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the actions of federal immigration officers.