Minnesota Probes, Could Bring Charges Against Federal Immigration Officers/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ morning Edition/ A Minnesota prosecutor has launched an investigation that could lead to charges against federal immigration officers, including Border Patrol official Greg Bovino. The probe focuses on alleged misconduct during “Operation Metro Surge” in Hennepin County. The Department of Homeland Security argues federal officers are immune from state prosecution.
Minnesota Investigates Federal Immigration Officers Over Crackdown Quick Looks
- Hennepin County prosecutor reviewing 17 cases
- Border Patrol official Greg Bovino under scrutiny
- Allegations include chemical irritants and force against protesters
- Probe tied to “Operation Metro Surge”
- DHS claims federal officers immune from state charges
- Two fatal shootings under separate investigation
- Online portal created for public evidence submissions
- Potential legal clash between state and federal authorities
Deep Look
Minnesota Launches Investigation Into Federal Immigration Officers
Minnesota authorities have opened an investigation that could result in criminal charges against federal immigration officers involved in a controversial enforcement campaign in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced Monday that her office is reviewing at least 17 cases tied to “Operation Metro Surge,” a federal immigration crackdown that drew protests and legal scrutiny earlier this year.
Among those under investigation is Border Patrol official Greg Bovino, who played a leading role in the enforcement effort.
“Make no mistake, we are not afraid of the legal fight, and we are committed to doing this correctly,” Moriarty said during a news conference. She added that the operation caused “immeasurable harm to our community.”
Allegations of Force and Misconduct
The cases under review include a Jan. 21 incident in which Bovino allegedly threw a smoke canister toward protesters. Another incident on Jan. 7 involved federal officers making an arrest outside a high school while deploying chemical irritants with students and staff nearby.
Officers were also accused of forcefully detaining individuals recording arrests or protesting, and of using chemical agents in residential neighborhoods.
Legal experts say prosecutors could examine whether officers exceeded their authority in ways that constitute assault, property damage or other crimes.
“These would be situations where the state has to determine whether agents acted unlawfully and outside the scope of their authorized duties,” said Rachel Moran, a criminal law professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law.
DHS Pushes Back
The Department of Homeland Security responded sharply, arguing that immigration enforcement is strictly a federal responsibility and that federal officers are shielded from state prosecution when acting within their official duties.
“What these States are trying to do is unlawful, and they know it,” DHS said in a statement. “Federal officials acting in the course of their duties are immune from liability under state law.”
The statement also suggested local officials should examine how their actions may have endangered federal law enforcement personnel.
A request for comment from Bovino was not immediately returned.
Fatal Shootings Under Investigation
The investigation also intersects with two fatal shootings carried out by federal officers in January. A 37-year-old mother, Renee Good, and a 37-year-old nurse, Alex Pretti, were killed on separate days during enforcement operations, sparking nationwide demonstrations.
Moriarty’s office is conducting its own review of the deaths. She said she is prepared to pursue charges if warranted and could seek court intervention if federal agencies do not provide requested evidence.
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights inquiry into Pretti’s death but declined to pursue a similar review in Good’s case. The FBI has limited state investigators’ access to evidence in at least one of the cases.
Evidence Collection and Legal Questions
Moriarty’s office has created an online portal allowing members of the public to submit videos, photographs and eyewitness accounts related to Operation Metro Surge.
Legal scholars note that bringing charges against federal officers would trigger a complex constitutional battle over federal supremacy and state prosecutorial authority.
Mark Osler, a former Hennepin County prosecutor and current law professor, said the process may provide clarity regardless of whether charges are ultimately filed.
“One of the most important roles that prosecution has is truth-telling — bringing to the surface what actually happened,” Osler said.
Federal-State Clash Looms
The dispute highlights escalating tensions between local prosecutors and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement practices.
While federal officials defend the operation as necessary to uphold immigration law, Minnesota authorities argue that no agency is above accountability.
If charges are filed, the case could set a significant precedent regarding the limits of federal immunity and the ability of states to prosecute federal law enforcement officers.
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