Minnesota Launches Probe Into Federal Immigration Officer Misconduct A Minnesota prosecutor announced Monday that her office is investigating potential charges against federal immigration officers, including Border Patrol official Greg Bovino, for alleged misconduct during recent enforcement operations. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty revealed that her team is examining 17 cases, including incidents where federal agents used chemical irritants against protesters and engaged in confrontations with civilians. One notable case involves Bovino allegedly throwing a smoke canister at demonstrators on January 21, while another incident occurred on January 7 when officers made an arrest near a high school, exposing students and staff to chemical agents. Moriarty emphasized her office’s commitment to pursuing justice, stating, “We are not afraid of the legal fight, and we are committed to doing this correctly.” She criticized the federal operation, known as Operation Metro Surge, for causing significant harm to the community. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded by asserting that such enforcement is a federal responsibility and that states cannot prosecute federal officers. A DHS statement claimed the actions of Minnesota officials are “unlawful” and warned that local authorities should focus on protecting federal law enforcement rather than challenging their authority. Bovino, a key figure in the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategies, has been associated with aggressive tactics in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago, and Los Angeles. In Chicago, federal officers frequently used chemical irritants as crowd control, prompting a judge to order Bovino to wear a body camera and appear in court daily.#minnesota #department_of_homeland_security #greg_bovino #mary_moriarty #hennepin_county_attorney
Minnesota launches investigation that could bring charges against US immigration officers A Minnesota state prosecutor announced an investigation on Monday that may lead to charges against federal immigration officers, including Greg Bovino, for misconduct during a recent enforcement operation. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stated her office is examining 17 cases, including one involving Bovino, a border patrol official, who threw a smoke canister at protesters on 21 January. The investigation also includes the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, by federal agents on 7 and 24 January, respectively. Moriarty emphasized her confidence in pursuing charges in cases that sparked nationwide protests and criticism of federal immigration enforcement practices. Another incident under scrutiny occurred on 7 January, when federal officers arrested individuals outside a high school and used chemical irritants while students and staff were present. Moriarty asserted that her office is prepared to face legal challenges, stating, “Make no mistake – we are not afraid of the legal fight, and we are committed to doing this correctly.” She criticized the “Metro Surge” immigration enforcement operation for causing significant harm to the community. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded by asserting that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that states cannot prosecute federal officers. The agency claimed such actions are unlawful and warned that local officials should focus on protecting federal law enforcement rather than interfering with their duties. A message seeking Bovino’s response was not immediately returned.#department_of_homeland_security #greg_bovino #hennepin_county_attorney #mariarty #rene_e_good
