A warrant has been issued for Greg Morgan, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, accused of threatening a Minnesota driver with a firearm. This development comes amid a broader investigation into the conduct of ICE officers during the Trump administration’s “Metro Surge” immigration operation.
Details of the Incident
The Hennepin County Attorney, Mary Moriarty, announced two second-degree assault charges against Morgan. This stemmed from an incident in early February when he allegedly pointed his government-issued gun at another vehicle and its passengers while on duty.
According to Moriarty, the incident occurred as Morgan was driving back after his shift. He approached a car that had briefly entered the shoulder of the road before returning to its lane. Morgan reportedly drew his firearm and aimed it at the passengers, who were unaware of his identity as an ICE officer.
Key Findings
- Greg Morgan is the subject of a warrant issued by Hennepin County prosecutors.
- The incident took place in early February while he was on duty.
- Moriarty highlighted that Morgan admitted to drawing his firearm after the other vehicle had returned to traffic.
Legal Implications
Moriarty emphasized that no federal agent enjoys absolute immunity for illegal actions in Minnesota. This statement addresses claims made by the Trump administration regarding ICE officers’ accountability.
During a press conference, Moriarty noted that state investigators have found it challenging to access evidence from federal officials in related cases. She mentioned ongoing lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for failing to provide materials related to investigations of alleged misconduct involving ICE officers.
Community Concerns and Ongoing Investigations
Moriarty acknowledged the community’s interest in the case and assured transparency regarding the pace of various investigations. Her office is currently conducting 17 investigations linked to ICE officers, with more than 50 interviews already completed.
Despite the challenges, the case against Morgan progressed rapidly due to available road camera footage and his voluntary interview with investigators.
Next Steps
Prosecutors are still uncertain of Morgan’s current status, including his employment with ICE. El-Balad has reached out to DHS for comments on this matter but has not yet received a response.
The following actions will be crucial in determining the outcome of this case and its implications for ICE officer accountability in Minnesota.
