ICE Agent Accused of Assaulting Motorists on Minneapolis Highway

Thu Apr 16 2026 20:15:06 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Federal Immigration Agent Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr. faces charges for allegedly pointing his firearm at civilians during an incident on a Minneapolis highway, marking a significant legal challenge related to immigration enforcement actions.

Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr., an ICE officer, has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault after he allegedly pointed a service weapon at civilians on Minnesota State Highway 62. The incident occurred on February 5, when Morgan, who was driving an unmarked SUV, confronted a vehicle that had moved onto the shoulder of the road in an apparent attempt to slow him down. The case represents one of the first criminal charges against a federal immigration officer during enforcement operations under the previous administration. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty emphasized the need for accountability for federal agents acting outside their authority.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — An ICE agent is charged with assault for allegedly pointing his gun at people in a car while driving on a Minneapolis highway, prosecutors in Minnesota said Thursday.

An arrest warrant in Hennepin County, which includes Minneapolis, states that Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr. is charged with two counts of second-degree aggravated assault. The warrant details that Morgan was working as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in the Minneapolis area on February 5 when he pointed his gun at the occupants of a vehicle on Minnesota State Highway 62.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty remarked that this could be the first criminal case against a federal immigration officer involved in the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement efforts that expanded federal authority’s presence in various cities.

Department of Homeland Security and Justice Department officials have not responded to requests for comments regarding the case.

Moriarty explained during a press conference that Morgan was driving a rented, unmarked SUV when another vehicle moved onto the shoulder, attempting to slow him down without realizing he was a federal officer. After the car returned to the roadway, Morgan reportedly pulled alongside and pointed his weapon at its occupants.

Morgan, 35, was on his way to the federal building to finish his shift. The charging documents disclose he did not claim the incident was part of an enforcement action. He allegedly approached the victims’ car and shouted “Police Stop,” but they could not hear him due to closed windows.

Charges against Morgan include two counts of assault, as he reportedly threatened both individuals in the vehicle. An arrest warrant is currently out for him.

The accusations could lead to heightened friction between the Trump administration and Minnesota officials regarding immigration enforcement practices. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche warned previously that the Justice Department may pursue investigations against local officials who arrest federal agents for carrying out their official duties.

Moriarty expressed her commitment to holding individuals accountable if they breach state laws, regardless of any potential repercussions from the federal level.

The legal consequences for second-degree assault in Minnesota can be severe, with the possibility of up to seven years in prison, or ten years if substantial bodily harm is inflicted.

The Department of Homeland Security deployed around 3,000 federal officers to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area in what was described as the largest immigration enforcement operation ever, which resulted in numerous arrests and sparked significant protests. Following backlash, two prominent leaders related to the crackdown were dismissed from their positions.

In a letter last year, then-Deputy Attorney General Blanche stated that the Justice Department views arrests of federal agents as illegal and warns that any interference with their operations will be investigated and prosecuted.