Minnesota Prosecutor Launches Probe Into Federal Immigration Crackdown

Investigation may lead to charges against Border Patrol official Greg Bovino and other federal officers for misconduct during enforcement operations.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 8:56pm

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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 an immigration enforcement crackdown in Minnesota. The investigation could lead to state charges against the officers, despite the federal government's assertion that states cannot prosecute federal agents.

Why it matters

This investigation highlights growing tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement tactics, with local prosecutors seeking to hold federal officers accountable for alleged abuses during crackdowns. It also raises questions about the limits of state power to investigate and prosecute federal agents operating within their jurisdictions.

The details

Moriarty's office is investigating incidents where federal officers, including Bovino, allegedly threw smoke canisters at protesters, made arrests outside a high school while deploying chemical irritants, and used other aggressive tactics during the immigration enforcement operation known as 'Operation Metro Surge'. The Department of Homeland Security has asserted that states cannot prosecute federal officers, but Moriarty says her office is prepared to sue the federal government to obtain evidence for the investigations.

  • On January 7, federal officers made an arrest outside a high school and deployed chemical irritants while students and staff were in the area.
  • 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 who emerged as a key figure in the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Renee Good

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

Alex Pretti

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

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that oversees immigration enforcement and has asserted that states cannot prosecute federal officers.

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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

“What these States are trying to do is unlawful, and they know it. Federal officials acting in the course of their duties are immune from liability under state law.”

— Department of Homeland Security

“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 up an online portal where photos, videos, and eyewitness accounts from any point during Operation Metro Surge can be uploaded to aid the investigation. The office is also prepared to sue the federal government to obtain evidence if they do not receive a response by Tuesday.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement tactics, with local prosecutors seeking to hold federal officers accountable for alleged abuses. It also raises broader questions about the limits of state power to investigate and prosecute federal agents operating within their jurisdictions.