Trending Now - Minnesota County Attorney Probes Federal Officials in Immigration Case

WHO:

Hennepin County Attorney: Mary Moriarty

Border Patrol official: Greg Bovino

U.S. citizens: Renee Good (37 years old), Alex Pretti (37 years old)

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Civilian staffer involved in the investigation

Rachel Moran: Professor of criminal law and policing at University of St. Thomas School of Law

Mark Osler: Former director of the criminal division under Moriarty (2023-2024)

WHAT:

An investigation was announced by Mary Moriarty that may lead to charges against federal officers for misconduct during an immigration enforcement crackdown known as Operation Metro Surge.

The investigation is looking into 17 cases involving federal immigration agents.

Specific incidents include:

Greg Bovino deploying a smoke canister at protesters on January 21, 2026.

Federal officers making an arrest outside a high school and deploying chemical irritants on January 7, 2026.

The shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti on January 7 and January 24, 2026, respectively.

An online portal has been set up for the public to submit evidence related to the incidents.

The investigation is part of the Transparency and Accountability Project.

WHERE:

Hennepin County, Minnesota, which includes Minneapolis and its suburbs.

Specific locations mentioned include Minneapolis-St. Paul and a high school in the area.

WHEN:

Investigation announced on March 2, 2026.

Incidents under investigation occurred on:

January 7, 2026 (arrest outside a high school)

January 21, 2026 (smoke canister incident)

January 7, 2026 (shooting of Renee Good)

January 24, 2026 (shooting of Alex Pretti)

Deadline for federal government response mentioned as March 3, 2026.

WHY:

The investigation aims to determine whether federal officers acted unlawfully during Operation Metro Surge, which caused "immeasurable harm" to the community, according to Moriarty.

The investigation is motivated by community concerns and the need for accountability regarding the use of force by federal agents.

HOW:

Evidence is being collected through an online portal for photos, videos, and eyewitness accounts.

Moriarty's office is prepared to sue the federal government for access to evidence related to the deaths of Good and Pretti if not provided by the deadline.

The investigation will focus on incidents specifically in Hennepin County, despite federal enforcement occurring throughout the Twin Cities.

On March 2, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced an investigation that could lead to charges against federal officers for misconduct during an immigration enforcement operation known as Operation Metro Surge, which has raised significant community concerns. The investigation will examine 17 cases involving federal immigration agents, including incidents where a Border Patrol official deployed a smoke canister at protesters and the shooting deaths of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti. An online portal has been established for the public to submit evidence, and Moriarty's office is prepared to take legal action against the federal government if they do not comply with requests for information by today.