Minnesota County Investigates Potential Kidnapping, False Imprisonment by Federal Officers

Ramsey County officials plan to release more details on the investigation into federal law enforcement actions.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:33pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a government building or law enforcement vehicle in an urban setting, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of tension and unease.The investigation into potential federal overreach exposes a growing rift between state and local authorities and the national government.Minneapolis Today

Ramsey County Attorney John Choi and Sheriff Bob Fletcher announced they will investigate potential incidents of kidnapping, burglary, and false imprisonment by federal law enforcement officers in the county, which includes the state capital of St. Paul. The officials said they will pursue information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which has refused to cooperate with other state and local investigations into killings by federal officers during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

Why it matters

This investigation highlights ongoing tensions between state/local authorities and the federal government over jurisdiction and transparency regarding incidents involving federal law enforcement. It comes after Minnesota and Hennepin County sued the Trump administration to gain access to evidence needed to independently investigate shootings by federal officers, which the federal government has refused to provide.

The details

Choi and Fletcher did not specify which incident is being investigated, but said they will ask the public for information about this and other incidents. The state and Hennepin County prosecutor previously sued the Trump administration over its refusal to cooperate with state investigations into three shootings by federal officers in Minneapolis, including the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. The federal government has suggested state officials lack jurisdiction in these cases, while state and county prosecutors say they need to conduct their own inquiries due to a lack of trust in the federal government.

  • On April 13, 2026, Ramsey County officials announced the investigation and planned to release more details at a news conference later that day.

The players

John Choi

Ramsey County Attorney, who announced the investigation alongside the county sheriff.

Bob Fletcher

Ramsey County Sheriff, who announced the investigation alongside the county attorney.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that Ramsey County officials said has refused to cooperate with other state and local investigations into killings by federal officers.

Renee Good

A U.S. citizen killed by federal officers during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, whose death Hennepin County is investigating.

Alex Pretti

A U.S. citizen killed by federal officers during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, whose death Hennepin County is investigating.

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What they’re saying

“We will pursue the information we need for this investigation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”

— John Choi, Ramsey County Attorney

“We will ask the public for information about this and other incidents.”

— Bob Fletcher, Ramsey County Sheriff

What’s next

Ramsey County officials plan to release more details about the investigation at a news conference later on April 13, 2026.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the ongoing tensions between state/local authorities and the federal government over jurisdiction and transparency regarding incidents involving federal law enforcement. It underscores the lack of trust that some state and local officials have in the federal government's willingness to cooperate with independent investigations into actions by federal officers.