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

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

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:20pm

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An extreme close-up of a shiny metal law enforcement badge or handcuff, dramatically lit by a harsh flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the aggressive tactics used by federal immigration agents that have sparked backlash from local officials.A federal immigration agent's alleged abuse of power on a Minnesota highway exposes the tensions between local and national authorities over immigration enforcement tactics.Minneapolis Today

A federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent has been charged with two counts of second-degree assault for allegedly pointing his gun at the occupants of a car on a Minneapolis-area highway. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said the incident, which occurred on February 5, is believed to be the first criminal case brought against a federal immigration officer involved in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement surge in cities across the country.

Why it matters

The charges against the ICE agent highlight the growing tensions between federal immigration authorities and local officials over aggressive tactics used during the Trump-era immigration crackdown. Minnesota authorities have vowed to hold federal officers accountable for any violations of state laws, even as the Justice Department has warned of potential retaliation against state and local officials.

The details

According to the arrest warrant, ICE agent Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr. was driving an unmarked SUV on the shoulder of the highway when a car moved into the shoulder to try to slow him down, not realizing he was a law enforcement officer. After the car returned to the legal lane, Morgan allegedly pulled up alongside and pointed his service weapon at the two people in the car, who then called 911. Morgan told investigators he 'feared for his safety and the safety of others' when he drew his gun, but the victims said they could not tell he was a police officer because their windows were up.

  • The incident occurred on February 5, 2026.
  • Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced the charges against Morgan on April 16, 2026.

The players

Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr.

A 35-year-old Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who is charged with two counts of second-degree assault for allegedly pointing his gun at the occupants of a car on a Minneapolis-area highway while on duty.

Mary Moriarty

The Hennepin County Attorney who announced the charges against Morgan, stating that she believes it is the first criminal case brought against a federal immigration officer involved in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement crackdown.

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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

“When you look at it more closely, flashing a gun is a serious threat. And there's a good argument that isn't part of his official duties ... it's abusing his powers.”

— Michael Gerhardt, Constitutional law professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What’s next

The Hennepin County Attorney's Office says there is an active nationwide warrant for Morgan's arrest. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison for each assault charge.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing tensions between federal immigration authorities and local officials over aggressive tactics used during the Trump-era immigration crackdown, with Minnesota authorities vowing to hold federal officers accountable for any violations of state laws.