REPORT: Far-left Minnesota prosecutor launches investigation that could bring charges against federal immigration officers

March 3, 2026

From the Associated Press: A Minnesota prosecutor announced an investigation Monday that may lead to charges against federal officers, including Border Patrol official Greg Bovino, for misconduct during an immigration enforcement crackdown.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said in a news conference that her office is already looking into 17 cases, including one where Bovino threw a smoke canister at protesters on Jan. 21. Another on Jan. 7 involved federal officers making an arrest outside a high school and deploying chemical irritants while students and staff were in the area.

“Make no mistake, we are not afraid of the legal fight, and we are committed to doing this correctly,” Moriarty said. “Operation Metro Surge caused immeasurable harm to our community.”

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration enforcement, responded in a statement Monday night that such enforcement is a federal responsibility and states cannot prosecute federal officers.

There are many victims whose stories need to be told. We will investigate and pursue charges where appropriate.

If you saw or experienced unlawful conduct by federal agents, please submit any photo or video evidence here: https://t.co/AGAvBhjQAH pic.twitter.com/0obNnTGQv5

— Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty (@HennepinAtty) March 3, 2026

ABOUT THIS PROSECUTOR: Mary Moriarty, 62, a Democrat, has served as the county attorney since January 2023. She came out as “queer” after launching her campaign for the seat in 2021, and is the first known LGBT person to serve as the Hennepin County Attorney.

She announced in August 2025 that she will not seek re-election, so her current term will end on January 4, 2027.

Moriarty has repeatedly been criticized over her perceived leniency in treatment of violent offenders, while cracking down on law enforcement officers.

In April 2025, Moriarty began requiring prosecutors to consider race when negotiating plea deals, which sparked a civil rights investigation by the U.S. Justice Department.

Moriarty blasted the DOJ investigation as a “stunt” and claimed they did not have the authority to investigate her. (But now she claims she will investigate federal agents.)