Prosecutors Form Coalition to Charge Federal Agents

Nine progressive city prosecutors join forces to prosecute federal law enforcement accused of wrongdoing in their jurisdictions.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:31pm

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Nine progressive prosecutors from cities around the country are launching a coalition called the Project for the Fight Against Federal Overreach (F.A.F.O.) to assist in prosecuting federal law enforcement officers who violate state laws. The organization was spurred by growing concerns about warrantless entries, unlawful detentions, and coercive enforcement tactics by federal agents, particularly in the wake of two recent protester deaths in Minneapolis involving Department of Homeland Security officers.

Why it matters

The handling of potentially criminal actions by federal agents has become a major issue, with local prosecutors increasingly willing to challenge federal authority and accuse federal agents of violating state laws. This coalition represents an escalation in the tensions between local and federal law enforcement, raising questions about jurisdiction, accountability, and the limits of federal power.

The details

The coalition will include prosecutors from Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Austin, Dallas, Pima County in Arizona, and several cities in Virginia. They aim to provide 'mutual support' to prosecutors 'up against the might of the federal government' in charging federal agents accused of wrongdoing. This comes after incidents in Minneapolis where federal agents were involved in the killings of two protesters, with state investigators blocked from accessing evidence and federal officials initially declining to provide basic facts.

  • On January 7, 2026, Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was killed in her SUV as she appeared to be steering away from federal agents during a confrontation.
  • On January 21, 2026, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old Veteran Affairs nurse, was also killed by federal agents in Minneapolis.

The players

Larry Krasner

The elected prosecutor in Philadelphia and a founding member of the Project for the Fight Against Federal Overreach coalition.

Mary Moriarty

The elected prosecutor in Hennepin County, Minnesota, which includes Minneapolis, and a member of the coalition.

Brooke Jenkins

The district attorney in San Francisco, who was one of the first law enforcement officials to warn that they would arrest and prosecute federal officials who break state laws.

John Choi

The top prosecutor in Ramsey County, Minnesota, which includes St. Paul, who said his office is investigating reports of crimes by federal agents.

Renee Good

A 37-year-old mother of three who was killed by federal agents in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We are a very substantial tool against what I consider to be a pretty clear attempt to normalize fascism and to overthrow democracy in the United States.”

— Larry Krasner, Philadelphia Prosecutor (New York Times)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco Resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This coalition of progressive prosecutors represents an escalation in the tensions between local and federal law enforcement, raising significant questions about jurisdiction, accountability, and the limits of federal power in the face of alleged misconduct by federal agents.