Hennepin County Launches Probe into Federal Agents' Unlawful Conduct Amid Ongoing Investigations Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced Monday that her office is investigating 17 potential instances of unlawful behavior by federal agents during Operation Metro Surge, including the use of a chemical irritant by U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Greg Bovino. The probe, part of a new Transparency and Accountability Project [TAP], allows citizens to submit evidence of alleged misconduct by federal officers, with county prosecutors and a civilian investigator overseeing the review. Moriarty emphasized that the investigation is critical to addressing concerns about federal law enforcement actions in Minnesota, where local authorities have faced challenges in obtaining information from federal agencies. The project was launched after Moriarty expressed frustration with the lack of investigative efforts from local law enforcement into high-profile incidents involving federal agents. An email reviewed by the Minnesota Star Tribune revealed she had previously met with county police chiefs to discuss how to respond to federal law enforcement actions. Moriarty highlighted the need for thorough investigations, noting that the Trump administration has actively obstructed efforts to examine the use of force by its agents. Among the cases under review is Bovino’s use of a chemical irritant near Mueller Park on January 21, which left protesters and observers injured. Footage shows Bovino shouting, “Third warning. Gas, gas, gas,” before releasing a canister that produced green and gray smoke, causing people to flee. The incident, along with actions by ICE and Border Patrol agents against students at Minneapolis Roosevelt High School on January 7, are being investigated.#hennepin_county #mary_moriarty #operation_metro_surge #touhy_letters #julio_sosa_celis
Hennepin County Launches Probe into Federal Agents' Unlawful Actions During Border Operations Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced Monday that her office is investigating 17 instances of “potential unlawful behavior” by federal agents during Operation Metro Surge, including the use of a chemical irritant by U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Greg Bovino. The probe, part of a new Transparency and Accountability Project [TAP], allows citizens to submit evidence of alleged misconduct by federal law enforcement to the county attorney’s office. The initiative, staffed by county prosecutors and a civilian investigator, is already examining the 17 cases, which include actions by Border Patrol and ICE agents. Moriarty highlighted two specific incidents under investigation: Bovino’s use of a chemical irritant near Mueller Park on January 21 and the actions of federal agents against students at Minneapolis Roosevelt High School on January 7. She emphasized that privacy concerns prevent her office from disclosing all 17 cases, but she confirmed that the TAP is actively reviewing these events. “There are many victims whose stories need to be told,” Moriarty said, adding that her office will pursue charges where appropriate. The investigation into Bovino’s actions includes footage of him shouting, “Third warning. Gas, gas, gas,” before releasing a canister that produced green and gray smoke. Protesters and bystanders fled the scene, with some reporting being sprayed with orange substance and leaving green stains in the snow. Moriarty noted that the federal government has refused to provide information about the actions of its officers in Minnesota, complicating the investigation.#hennepin_county #mary_moriarty #operation_metropolitan_surge #minneapolis_roosevelt_high_school #tap_project
Minnesota launches investigation that could bring charges against US immigration officers Minnesota state prosecutors have initiated an investigation that may result in criminal charges against federal immigration officers, including Greg Bovino, for alleged misconduct during recent enforcement operations. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced the probe on Monday, stating her office is examining 17 cases, including incidents involving Bovino, a border patrol agent, and the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Moriarty emphasized her confidence in pursuing charges in cases that sparked nationwide protests and criticism of federal immigration enforcement practices. One of the cases under review involves Bovino throwing a smoke canister at protesters on January 21, while another focuses on the deaths of Good and Pretti, who were shot by federal agents on January 7 and 24, respectively. Moriarty also highlighted a separate incident on January 7, where officers used chemical irritants during an arrest outside a high school, exposing students and staff to the agents’ actions. She reiterated her commitment to holding officials accountable, stating, “We are not afraid of the legal fight,” and condemned the “Metro Surge” operation as having caused “immeasurable harm” to the community. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) swiftly responded, asserting that federal enforcement is a matter of federal jurisdiction and that states cannot prosecute federal officers. The agency claimed such actions are “unlawful” and warned that local officials should instead address risks to law enforcement. A statement from DHS noted that federal agents are immune from state legal liability while performing their duties.#minnesota #department_of_homeland_security #greg_bovino #hennepin_county #mary_moriarty
