ICE Agent Charged with Assault in Minneapolis Freeway Incident
MINNEAPOLIS — An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer has been charged with assault after allegedly brandishing a firearm at individuals inside a vehicle on a Minneapolis freeway, according to an announcement from Minnesota prosecutors on Thursday.
Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr., who was on duty during the incident, faces two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, based on an arrest warrant issued in Hennepin County, which encompasses Minneapolis. The charges stem from an event that occurred on February 5, when Morgan allegedly pointed a gun at the occupants of another vehicle while driving on Minnesota Route 62.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty indicated that this marks a significant development, potentially the first criminal case against federal immigration officials linked to the ongoing immigration enforcement efforts that intensified during the Trump administration. These operations have seen federal agents dispatched to cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland, and New Orleans.
While officials from the Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment, attempts by the Associated Press to reach Morgan directly went unanswered, including a call to a number associated with him and an email sent to an address appearing to belong to him.
At a press conference, Moriarty detailed that Morgan was operating his rented, unmarked SUV on the shoulder of a freeway when another vehicle, unaware of his federal affiliation, veered onto the shoulder in a bid to slow him down. After the other vehicle returned to its lane, Morgan allegedly pulled alongside it and pointed a military-style weapon at its occupants.
According to the charging documents, Morgan, who is 35 years old, was en route to the federal building to complete his shift when he became stuck in traffic. The documents reveal that Morgan did not characterize the confrontation as part of a law enforcement operation. He allegedly told a Minnesota State Patrol officer he yelled, “Cops, stop!” as he displayed his firearm, but the victims did not hear him due to their open windows.
Moriarty emphasized that Morgan is charged with two counts of assault for threatening two individuals in the vehicle, with an arrest warrant currently outstanding for him. This case could escalate tensions between the Trump administration and Minnesota officials regarding the aggressive approach to immigration enforcement. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche cautioned that the Justice Department may pursue investigations and prosecutions of state or local officials who detain federal agents acting within their official capacities.
Moriarty expressed confidence that the legal proceedings would not provoke backlash from the Trump administration, stating that his office’s objective is to ensure accountability for violations of state law. He asserted that Morgan’s conduct exceeded the limits of federal authority.
“Federal employees are not entitled to blanket immunity if they violate the law in Minnesota,” Moriarty stated. In Minnesota, the felony charge of second-degree assault carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison, which can increase to ten years if the assault leads to significant bodily harm.
The Department of Homeland Security deployed about 3,000 federal agents to Minneapolis and St. Paul, part of what authorities labeled “the largest immigration enforcement operation in history” that took place from December to February. This operation resulted in thousands of arrests, widespread protests, and two tragic fatalities.
As backlash against these aggressive tactics grew, two prominent leaders of the crackdown were removed from their positions: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was fired in March, shortly after the Minnesota protests, and Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino announced his retirement that same month.
In a previous letter to California officials, then-Deputy Attorney General Blanche asserted that any arrest of federal officers performing official duties would be deemed unlawful. He emphasized that numerous federal regulations prohibit interference with immigration and law enforcement activities, warning that the Department of Justice would investigate and prosecute anyone violating these statutes.
