ICE Agent Charged in Minnesota Crackdown After Gun Threat

Hennepin County prosecutors have charged U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr. with second-degree assault. The charges stem from actions taken during an immigration crackdown in Minnesota earlier this year.

Prosecutors allege Morgan pointed his government-issued firearm at two people in another vehicle. This incident occurred in February as Morgan drove past in an unmarked car on the side of a highway.

First Charges in Twin Cities Crackdown

These charges mark the first against a federal agent following the Twin Cities crackdown. However, Minnesota officials are currently investigating more than a dozen other incidents. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have not yet commented on the charges against Morgan.

Community Impact and Investigation Challenges

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty explained the unique circumstances that allowed for these charges. “The reason this is the first one that led to charges was because it came to us the way most cases come to us,” Moriarty stated. “In other words, law enforcement received a call from a community member that somebody on the highway was pointing a gun at them.” The state patrol responded and conducted an investigation, including interviewing the ICE agent.

This process provided prosecutors with crucial information. Moriarty noted that in other cases, the federal government has blocked access to necessary evidence. This obstruction has made it difficult to pursue charges.

Obstacles and Legal Battles Ahead

Moriarty highlighted that this case has fewer obstacles than others, particularly concerning the fatal shootings of Rene Goode and Alex Preddy. However, she acknowledged the broad immunity that federal agents often possess. “We expect that once Mr. Morgan is in custody, that we start the process, that he will probably make a motion to remove to federal court,” Moriarty said.

She confirmed Hennepin County is prepared to fight these issues. They are working with legal experts in Washington, D.C., who are assisting pro bono. These experts specialize in such immunity claims.

Broader Investigations Continue

Beyond the current assault charge, Moriarty’s office is actively investigating other incidents. This includes the deaths of Rene Goode and Alex Preddy, and the shooting of Julio Sosa-Soliz. The office also launched a transparency and accountability project.

It began by examining 17 cases and has since received information on others. Moriarty anticipates more charges may be filed in the future.

Seeking Information Through Lawsuit

To obtain necessary information for the Goode and Preddy cases, prosecutors filed a lawsuit in Washington, D.C. They are asking a judge to order the Department of Justice and DHS to provide requested evidence. The county previously issued notices, outlining why they should receive this information.

The federal government has not yet responded to these requests. The government is expected to respond to the lawsuit by May.

National Support for Accountability

Moriarty has received a significant response from the public since filing the charges. Emails and messages have come from across the country, as well as from Canada and Mexico. Many express gratitude for holding federal authorities accountable.

“They’re very heartwarming. They’re thank-you, um, heartfelt thank-you that the federal government is being held accountable for their behavior here,” Moriarty shared. She believes this is meaningful for the community and the nation, showing that actions can lead to accountability.

The investigation into Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr. is ongoing. Federal authorities have not provided an update on his whereabouts since the arrest warrant was issued.

Source: ICE agent charged with assault for actions in Minnesota during Trump's immigration crackdown (YouTube)