ICE Agent Charged with Assault for Pointing Gun at Civilians on Minneapolis Highway

Hennepin County prosecutor says it's the first criminal case against a federal immigration officer in the Trump administration's crackdown.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:54pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a handgun against a stark black background, the harsh flash illuminating the metal and texture of the weapon in a gritty, investigative style.A federal agent's service weapon becomes the focus of a criminal investigation, exposing tensions over aggressive immigration enforcement tactics.Minneapolis Today

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent named Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr. has been charged with two counts of second-degree aggravated assault for allegedly pointing his service weapon at civilians while driving on a Minneapolis highway. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office says this is the first criminal case brought against a federal immigration officer involved in the Trump administration's increased immigration enforcement efforts.

Why it matters

The charges against the ICE agent highlight the tensions between federal immigration authorities and local officials over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdown. This case could intensify the clash between the federal government and Minnesota officials over the use of force by federal agents in the state.

The details

According to the arrest warrant, on February 5th, Morgan was driving an unmarked, rented SUV on the shoulder of Minnesota State Highway 62 when a car moved into the shoulder to try to slow him down, not knowing he was a federal officer. After the car returned to the legal lane, Morgan pulled up alongside and pointed his service weapon at the people in the car. Morgan told a Minnesota State Patrol officer that he drew his firearm and yelled 'Police Stop,' but the victims couldn't hear him because their windows were up. Morgan was on his way to the federal building to end his shift when the incident occurred.

  • On February 5, the incident occurred on Minnesota State Highway 62.
  • In March, the Trump administration's top immigration enforcement leaders in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area announced their departures.

The players

Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr.

A 35-year-old ICE agent who is charged with two counts of second-degree aggravated assault for allegedly pointing his service weapon at civilians while driving on a Minneapolis highway.

Mary Moriarty

The Hennepin County Attorney who said this is the first criminal case brought against a federal immigration officer involved in the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

Todd Blanche

The acting Attorney General who has warned that the Justice Department could investigate and prosecute state or local officials who arrest federal agents for performing their official duties.

Kristi Noem

The former Homeland Security Secretary who was fired by Trump in March shortly after the Minnesota immigration enforcement surge ended.

Gregory Bovino

The former Border Patrol sector chief who led immigration operations in several large cities and announced his retirement in March.

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What they’re saying

“There is no such thing as absolute immunity for federal agents who violate the law in the state of Minnesota.”

— Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County Attorney

“The Department of Justice will investigate and prosecute any state or local official who violates these federal statutes (or directs or conspires with others to violate them).”

— Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General

What’s next

A warrant has been issued for Morgan's arrest, and he faces up to 7 years in prison if convicted of the second-degree assault charges. The case could further escalate the tensions between federal immigration authorities and local officials in Minnesota.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing clash between the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics and local officials who are pushing back against perceived overreach by federal agents. The charges against the ICE agent underscore the legal and political battles being waged over the limits of federal power in immigration enforcement.