On March 2, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said her office has opened an investigation into what she described as the "potentially unlawful behavior" of federal agents engaged in Operation Metro Surge, the enforcement campaign earlier this year targeting undocumented immigrants that drew broad community opposition. The operation included incidents in which agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens, prompting widespread scrutiny.
Moriarty announced at a press briefing that her office has established an online portal to collect videos and other material from members of the public who believe they witnessed criminal acts by federal personnel, including Gregory Bovino, who has publicly referred to himself as the "commander at large" of the U.S. Border Patrol. The portal is intended to gather evidence that could support potential charges.
"We will investigate and pursue charging where appropriate, and we’ll seek collaboration with local law enforcement wherever and whenever needed," Moriarty said. "Make no mistake, we are not afraid of any legal fight." She acknowledged the challenges of prosecuting federal agents, noting their strong legal protections, but added: "There is no absolute immunity for federal agents."
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the U.S. Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Moriarty also said the federal government had not provided information to her office.
Moriartys office previously set up comparable portals to collect public evidence related to the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both of whom were killed by federal agents. She said investigations into those deaths remain active.
Operation Metro Surge began in early December. After the shootings of Good and Pretti, Tom Homan, identified as President Donald Trumps Border czar, assumed command of the operation in late January, replacing Bovino. Bovino has faced intense criticism from Democrats and civil liberties advocates for his approach to crackdowns in Minnesota and other parts of the country.
In January, the Atlantic, citing a Homeland Security official and two people with knowledge of the personnel change, reported that Bovino had been removed from his roving assignment and was to return to his prior role as a Border Patrol sector chief in El Centro, California. Neither the White House nor the Department of Homeland Security responded to requests for comment on Bovinos current role.
Homan met with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey after taking over and adopted a less confrontational tone, according to Moriartys office. In February, Homan announced he was sending thousands of agents home, while stating that immigration enforcement operations would continue.
The new evidence portal is intended to allow community members to submit firsthand video and other documentation of incidents they believe may involve criminal conduct by federal agents. Moriarty said her office will evaluate submissions and pursue charges where appropriate, and will coordinate with local law enforcement when collaboration is needed.
Note: Investigations cited in this report are ongoing, and steps described above reflect announcements and actions made public as of March 2.