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
