Hennepin County Probes 17 Alleged Criminal Incidents by ICE Agents During Crackdown

Investigation includes two deaths and an incident where a border patrol commander allegedly threw tear gas into a Minneapolis park.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Hennepin County Attorney's Office is investigating 17 possible criminal incidents involving federal immigration agents during a recent surge operation, including two civilian deaths and allegations of excessive force. Community hearings have also been held to document what occurred during the crackdown, which activists have called the largest immigration enforcement action in the nation's history.

Why it matters

The investigation and hearings aim to hold federal agents accountable for any unlawful actions taken during the immigration crackdown, which sparked widespread fear and concern among immigrant communities in the Twin Cities. The probe also highlights ongoing tensions between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement.

The details

The investigation by Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty includes the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, as well as allegations involving then-Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino, who was captured on camera allegedly throwing tear gas canisters into a Minneapolis park. Local and national activists have gathered for community hearings to document the incidents, with one speaker saying "People are carrying their passports around out of fear, because masked thugs are kidnapping people off the streets based solely on their accents or appearance."

  • The ICE surge operation concluded in late February 2026.
  • The Hennepin County Attorney's Office has not set a timeline for completing its investigation.

The players

Mary Moriarty

The Hennepin County Attorney leading the investigation into the alleged criminal incidents by federal immigration agents.

Greg Bovino

The former Border Patrol Commander who was allegedly captured on camera throwing tear gas canisters into a Minneapolis park during the immigration crackdown.

Renee Good

One of the two civilians whose deaths are being investigated as part of the Hennepin County probe.

Alex Pretti

One of the two civilians whose deaths are being investigated as part of the Hennepin County probe.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

The creator of the musical Hamilton, whose father Luis Miranda attended one of the community hearings on the immigration crackdown.

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What’s next

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office has not set a timeline for completing its investigation into the alleged criminal incidents by federal immigration agents during the recent crackdown.

The takeaway

The investigation and community hearings underscore the deep concerns and fears within immigrant communities in the Twin Cities over the aggressive tactics used by federal immigration agents during the recent enforcement surge. The probe aims to hold agents accountable for any unlawful actions and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.