ICE Officer Faces Felony Charges for Pointing Gun at Civilian in Minnesota
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent is in hot water after being charged with felonies in Minnesota for allegedly brandishing a weapon at two individuals during a highway incident. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced the charges, leading to a nationwide arrest warrant, which has sparked discussions about the boundaries of federal agents’ immunity under state laws.
According to reports, Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr. is the accused. The incident happened on February 5 on Interstate 62 in Minneapolis, during a broader federal immigration initiative known as Operation Metro Surge, which had already been facing scrutiny and protests in the Twin Cities.
Moriarty stated at a press conference that Morgan allegedly sped alongside another vehicle, matched its speed, and aimed his service weapon directly at the occupants. According to the criminal complaint, everything unfolded around 4:20 p.m. as traffic began to slow near the I-35W interchange. Morgan allegedly drove onto the road’s shoulder to avoid congestion, approached the victims, and pointed a handgun at them.
Interestingly, Morgan was operating a rented SUV that did not display any federal markings. The victims expressed feeling threatened, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Investigators noted that Morgan was not attending to any emergency but was allegedly returning to a federal building to get gas when the encounter occurred. He claimed to have felt endangered and characterized the two individuals as “instigators.” However, his reasoning has raised eyebrows.
Following these developments, authorities have issued a nationwide warrant for Morgan’s arrest. He faces two counts of second-degree assault, each of which could lead to a seven-year prison sentence. His bail has been set at $100,000, with specific conditions such as not possessing a weapon and appearing at all court hearings.
Moriarty pointed out that this investigation has progressed faster than other cases involving federal agents due to a lack of outside interference. She highlighted this as a step toward accountability, adding that her office is also examining more than a dozen other cases involving federal officers.
In a related matter, prosecutors are contemplating charges against individuals who allegedly assaulted journalist Savana Hernandez during a recent anti-ICE protest outside the Whipple Federal Building. Video evidence from that protest shows Hernandez being crowded and yelled at while trying to leave, during which she sustained some minor injuries.
A spokesperson from the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office indicated that several cases connected to the Hernandez incident are under review for potential charges, although a timeline for those decisions remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the FBI has initiated a federal investigation into the situation, with no announcements regarding charges as of yet.
The developments have drawn attention, and many are awaiting further information from ICE and relevant authorities regarding the ongoing investigations.
