MINNEAPOLIS (RTWNews) — An ICE officer, Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr., is facing serious legal consequences after being charged with two counts of second-degree aggravated assault. The charges stem from an incident on February 5th, where he allegedly pointed his service weapon at occupants of a vehicle while driving down Minnesota State Highway 62.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty remarked during a recent press briefing that this case represents a pivotal moment, as it is believed to be the first criminal prosecution of a federal immigration officer under the aggressive immigration enforcement practices that have characterized the Trump administration's approach.
The details released indicate that Morgan was operating a rented, unmarked SUV at the time of the incident when he confronted another vehicle attempting to move onto the shoulder. Following the confrontation, Morgan allegedly drew his firearm and shouted “Police Stop,” though the occupants were unable to hear him due to their closed windows.
With a warrant issued for Morgan's arrest, Moriarty emphasized that under Minnesota law, federal agents are not granted absolute immunity for violations of state law. The charges, which could carry a sentence of up to seven years in prison, are likely to deepen existing tensions between state authorities and federal immigration enforcement.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has previously warned of legal actions against local officials who interfere with federal agents. However, Moriarty maintains her office’s commitment to ensuring accountability across the board, stating, “there is no such thing as absolute immunity for federal agents who violate the law in the state of Minnesota.”
This incident occurs amid scrutiny of the extensive deployment of federal officers during a controversial wave of immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities area.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty remarked during a recent press briefing that this case represents a pivotal moment, as it is believed to be the first criminal prosecution of a federal immigration officer under the aggressive immigration enforcement practices that have characterized the Trump administration's approach.
The details released indicate that Morgan was operating a rented, unmarked SUV at the time of the incident when he confronted another vehicle attempting to move onto the shoulder. Following the confrontation, Morgan allegedly drew his firearm and shouted “Police Stop,” though the occupants were unable to hear him due to their closed windows.
With a warrant issued for Morgan's arrest, Moriarty emphasized that under Minnesota law, federal agents are not granted absolute immunity for violations of state law. The charges, which could carry a sentence of up to seven years in prison, are likely to deepen existing tensions between state authorities and federal immigration enforcement.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has previously warned of legal actions against local officials who interfere with federal agents. However, Moriarty maintains her office’s commitment to ensuring accountability across the board, stating, “there is no such thing as absolute immunity for federal agents who violate the law in the state of Minnesota.”
This incident occurs amid scrutiny of the extensive deployment of federal officers during a controversial wave of immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities area.
