ICE Agent Charged with Second-Degree Assault in Minnesota
Minnesota prosecutors revealed on Thursday that Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr., an ICE agent involved in the federal immigration operation in the state earlier this year, faces a felony charge of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stated that Morgan is accused of pointing a firearm at the heads of two civilians inside their vehicle.
First Charges Against ICE Officer Linked to Operation Metro Surge
This marks the first instance of an ICE officer being charged in relation to Operation Metro Surge, an initiative that has provoked national backlash following the fatal shootings of two Americans by federal immigration enforcement. The charges against Morgan, which include two counts of second-degree assault—each pertaining to one victim—have led to a warrant for his arrest, as confirmed by Moriarty.
Investigation Details Emerge
The Department of Homeland Security has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the allegations against Morgan. The incident in question occurred on February 5, when Morgan, driving an unmarked SUV, reportedly pulled up alongside another vehicle and “aimed his duty weapon directly at both victims” while illegally navigating the shoulder of the highway. The alarmed driver subsequently called 911.
Prosecutors Describe Actions as Excessive
Moriarty emphasized that the conduct displayed by the federal agents during this encounter exceeds the bounds of acceptable authority. She stated, “Illegally driving on the side of the road, pulling over, and holding a gun to the heads of two innocent community members is well beyond the scope of their authority.”
Details of the Incident Unfolded
According to prosecutors, Morgan appeared to be maneuvering around slow traffic when the victim’s vehicle “slightly swerved onto the shoulder of the road in an attempt to slow down.” Following the incident, police investigators arrived at the victims’ vehicle, rolled down their window, and directed their weapons at both the driver and passenger.
Morgan Admits to Weapon Display After Traffic Return
A Minnesota State Patrol investigator interviewed Morgan the day after the incident. During this discussion, he admitted to drawing his weapon after the victim’s car had merged back into regular traffic, a claim that aligns with testimony from the victims and video evidence captured during the incident.
Background of the Controversial Operation
The Trump administration deployed 3,000 federal agents to Minnesota for Operation Metro Surge in late November. The operation saw immigration authorities shoot and kill two Americans—Renee Good, 37, and Alex Preti, 37—prompting widespread anger and protests across the nation. Their tragic deaths drew criticism from both Democratic and some Republican figures alike.
Impact on Immigration Policy Support
In response to the incidents, Tom Homan of the Trump Border Patrol took over command from Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, who was subsequently reassigned. Homan announced the operation’s conclusion in February, citing thousands of arrests. However, immigration enforcement activities persist in Minneapolis and surrounding areas. A mid-February NBC News Decision Desk poll indicated that support for the Trump administration’s immigration policies significantly declined following the tragic incidents involving Good and Preti.
