Minnesota Prosecutors Charge ICE Officer with Assault
Minnesota prosecutors announced on Thursday that they have filed a second-degree assault charge against an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, marking the first criminal case of its kind related to federal immigration enforcement actions during President Donald Trump’s administration in the Twin Cities.
Details of the Incident and Charges
The officer, Deputy Gregory Donnell Morgan, was on duty at the time of the incident. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stated at a press conference that this is believed to be the first case targeting a federal immigration officer nationally. Morgan faces two felony counts for allegedly brandishing a firearm at two drivers while operating an unmarked SUV on February 5. Following the incident, the victims promptly contacted 911, prompting an official investigation.
Possible Sentencing and Current Status
If convicted, Morgan could face a sentence of up to 36 months in prison. Despite the charges, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not provided any comment on the case. Moriarty indicated that a nationwide warrant has been issued for Morgan’s arrest, though he remains at large.
Context of Operation Metro Surge
Morgan was part of “Operation Metro Surge,” an aggressive deportation initiative during the Trump administration that resulted in the apprehension of over 3,700 individuals in the Twin Cities, according to the Deportation Data Project. This operation has been characterized as one of DHS’s most challenging immigration enforcement campaigns, triggering extensive protests nationwide in the wake of violent incidents involving federal immigration agents.
Ongoing Investigations into Other Incidents
The Department of Justice is currently conducting a civil rights investigation related to the death of citizen Alex Preti, while DHS has launched its internal investigation into the fatalities of Renee Good and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celiz. Sosa-Celiz, a Venezuelan immigrant, was shot in the leg by an ICE officer during a traffic stop, leading DHS to acknowledge in February that federal agents had provided “untrue statements” regarding the incident.
Review of Additional Cases
Moriarty mentioned that her office is actively reviewing the charges against officers involved in these cases, including those of Preti, Good, and Sosa-Celiz. Additionally, Moriarty and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit against the federal government in March, seeking access to evidence related to these three shootings. However, federal authorities have reportedly refused to release the requested materials.
Commitment to Accountability
In her remarks, Moriarty reiterated her office’s commitment to transparency and accountability, stating, “Our work continues on all fronts, from the murders of Mr. Good and Mr. Preti to the shooting of Mr. Sosa-Celiz to the cases being investigated by the Transparency and Accountability Project. We will not rest until we get the answers we seek and, where appropriate, accountability regarding the actions of federal employees across Hennepin County.”
