A Minnesota prosecutor has launched an investigation into potential misconduct by federal officers, including Border Patrol official Greg Bovino. The inquiry could lead to charges stemming from actions taken during an immigration enforcement crackdown known as Operation Metro Surge.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced on Monday that her office is examining 17 cases related to the operation. Notable incidents include an event on January 21 where Bovino was recorded throwing a smoke canister at protesters, and another on January 7 where federal officers made an arrest near a high school while using chemical irritants in the vicinity of students and staff.
Moriarty stated, “Make no mistake, we are not afraid of the legal fight, and we are committed to doing this correctly.” She emphasized that Operation Metro Surge inflicted immense harm on the local community. In response, the Department of Homeland Security asserted that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, asserting that states lack the legal authority to prosecute federal officers. They described attempts to do so as unlawful and noted that federal officials have immunity from state law while fulfilling their duties.
Bovino, who played a prominent role in the Trump administration's immigration efforts, is known for imposing aggressive tactics during crackdowns in cities such as Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago, and Los Angeles. In Chicago, he faced scrutiny for ordering the deployment of chemical irritants to manage crowds in residential areas, and he was even mandated by a judge to wear a body camera and appear in court daily to address the crackdown, although this ruling was later overturned.
During the operation, officers often used a forceful approach to manage protesters, detaining many individuals who were merely blowing whistles or filming arrests. Subsequently, public outcry grew following the fatal shootings of 37-year-old Renee Good and 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti by federal officers in January, raising concerns about the use of force by the Department of Homeland Security.
Moriarty's office has created an online platform for citizens to submit relevant photos, videos, and eyewitness accounts of incidents that occurred during Operation Metro Surge. In her ongoing investigation, Moriarty has signaled she is prepared to sue the federal government to obtain necessary evidence if cooperation is not forthcoming. “The question is, should we charge in federal court? Do we expect the federal government to obstruct us? I would say they’re already doing that,” she remarked.
The Department of Justice has launched a civil rights inquiry regarding Pretti's death but has determined that a civil rights investigation into Good's death is unwarranted. The FBI has restricted state investigators from accessing crucial evidence related to her case. Both the DOJ and the FBI had not provided comments by the time of reporting.
Despite understanding the legal challenges ahead in pursuing charges against federal agents, Moriarty is committed to ensuring accountability and transparency. Mark Osler, a former director of the criminal division under Moriarty, expressed optimism that regardless of the outcome, the investigation would yield increased clarity on the events that transpired during the crackdown. He emphasized the role of prosecution in uncovering the truth, encouraging public trust in the process going forward.
