Minnesota Prosecutor Launches Probe into Federal Immigration Enforcement

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

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A Minnesota prosecutor announced an investigation that may lead to charges against federal officers, including Border Patrol official Greg Bovino, for misconduct during an immigration enforcement crackdown. The investigation is looking into 17 cases, including one where Bovino allegedly threw a smoke canister at protesters and another involving federal officers making an arrest outside a high school and deploying chemical irritants.

Why it matters

This investigation highlights growing tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement tactics, with the local prosecutor accusing federal officers of causing 'immeasurable harm' to the community. It also comes after two fatal shootings by federal officers during the crackdown, leading to nationwide demonstrations and criticism of the Department of Homeland Security's use-of-force policies.

The details

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said her office is investigating 17 cases of alleged misconduct by federal officers, including Border Patrol official Greg Bovino. The incidents include Bovino allegedly throwing a smoke canister at protesters and federal officers deploying chemical irritants near a high school during an arrest. Moriarty said her office is prepared to sue the federal government to get evidence for the investigations if they do not respond by Tuesday.

  • 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, Border Patrol official Greg 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 immigration enforcement operations and is known for bringing aggressive tactics to crackdowns in multiple cities.

Renee Good

A 37-year-old mother who was fatally shot by federal officers during the immigration crackdown, leading to nationwide demonstrations.

Alex Pretti

A 37-year-old nurse who was also fatally shot by federal officers during the immigration crackdown, leading to criticism of the Department of Homeland Security's use-of-force policies.

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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 (PBS NewsHour)

“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 (PBS NewsHour)

“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 (PBS NewsHour)

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. The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Border Patrol official Greg Bovino out on bail.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the growing tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement tactics, with the local prosecutor accusing federal officers of causing harm to the community. It also raises questions about accountability and transparency in federal immigration enforcement operations.