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

Hennepin County Attorney says this is the first criminal case against a federal immigration officer during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:26am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a metal law enforcement badge or handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash to create a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A harsh, unforgiving spotlight on the tools of law enforcement, exposing the tensions between federal agents and local authorities.Minneapolis Today

An ICE agent has been charged with two counts of second-degree aggravated assault for allegedly pointing his service weapon at the occupants of a vehicle while driving on a Minneapolis highway. Prosecutors say this is the first criminal case brought against a federal immigration officer involved in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement surge in cities across the U.S.

Why it matters

The charges against the ICE agent could intensify the clash between Minnesota officials and the Trump administration over the aggressive immigration tactics used in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, which led to thousands of arrests, protests, and the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens. This case raises questions about the limits of federal agents' authority and accountability for potential misconduct.

The details

According to the arrest warrant, Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr., a 35-year-old ICE agent, was driving an unmarked SUV on the shoulder of Minnesota State Highway 62 on February 5 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 lane, Morgan pulled up alongside and pointed his service weapon at the people in the car. Morgan told a state trooper he yelled 'Police Stop,' but the victims couldn't hear him because their windows were up.

  • On February 5, the alleged incident occurred on Minnesota State Highway 62.
  • In March, the Trump administration's top immigration enforcement leaders in the region, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Patrol sector chief Gregory Bovino, 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 people in a vehicle 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 U.S. 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

“Numerous federal laws prohibit interfering with and impeding immigration or other law-enforcement operations. The Department of Justice will investigate and prosecute any state or local official who violates these federal statues (or directs or conspires with others to violate them).”

— Todd Blanche, Acting U.S. Attorney General

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to issue an arrest warrant for Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr. based on the charges filed by the Hennepin County Attorney's office.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and local officials over aggressive enforcement tactics, as well as the challenges of holding federal agents accountable for potential misconduct while on duty.