ICE Officer Charged with Assault for Threatening Minnesotans with Gun

First-of-its-kind case accuses federal agent of brandishing weapon during alleged road rage incident

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:55pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shiny metal handcuff against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative visual metaphor for the criminal charges against the ICE officer.The criminal charges against an ICE officer for allegedly threatening civilians with a gun during an on-duty incident expose the growing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local authorities.Minneapolis Today

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty has filed criminal charges against an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer for allegedly pointing his service weapon at two people during a February incident on a Minneapolis highway. Gregory Donnell Morgan, Jr. faces two felony counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, in what Moriarty says is the first case of its kind in the country.

Why it matters

The charges against Morgan represent a rare instance of local prosecutors holding a federal immigration agent accountable for alleged misconduct while on duty. This case could set a precedent for greater oversight of ICE operations and challenge the agency's perceived immunity from state and local laws.

The details

According to prosecutors, the incident occurred when the two alleged victims saw Morgan, who was driving an unmarked SUV, illegally passing traffic on the highway shoulder. When the victims tried to block him from passing, Morgan allegedly pulled up beside them, rolled down his window, and pointed his service weapon at them. Frightened, the victims called 911 to report the incident. Morgan later admitted to state police that he was the one driving the SUV and was returning to the ICE office after his shift.

  • The incident occurred in February 2026 on Highway 62 near the I-35W interchange in Minneapolis.
  • Moriarty filed the criminal charges against Morgan on April 16, 2026.

The players

Mary Moriarty

The Hennepin County Attorney who filed the criminal charges against ICE officer Gregory Donnell Morgan, Jr.

Gregory Donnell Morgan, Jr.

An ICE officer who faces two felony counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly pointing his service weapon at two people during a February incident on a Minneapolis highway.

Keith Ellison

The Minnesota Attorney General who continues to weigh charges against ICE agents involved in other recent shootings in the state.

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What they’re saying

“Today's charges reflect an important milestone in our efforts to seek accountability for the harms inflicted on our community during Operation Metro Surge.”

— Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County Attorney

“Mr. Morgan's conduct was extremely dangerous. Driving while pointing a weapon out of your moving vehicle at the victims who were in another moving vehicle could have led to yet another disastrous incident.”

— Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County Attorney

What’s next

Prosecutors continue to weigh charges against ICE agents involved in the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, as well as the shooting of Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, which have been stymied by the federal government's refusal to share evidence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing tensions between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement, as well as the challenges in holding ICE agents accountable for alleged misconduct. It could set a precedent for greater oversight and accountability of ICE operations at the state and local level.