Authorities in the U.S. state of Minnesota have charged a federal immigration officer following a troubling highway incident during a recent enforcement surge. The case involving Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr. is drawing attention as it raises questions about the conduct of officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement during active operations.
Charges Filed Against Federal Officer in Minnesota
Authorities in the U.S. state of Minnesota have charged a federal immigration officer, Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr., with two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. The charges relate to an incident that took place during an intensified immigration enforcement operation earlier this year.
The case is gaining national attention because it appears to be the first time an officer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has faced charges for actions allegedly taken while on duty during the recent enforcement surge in the region.
Minnesota soldier among six US troops killed in Iranian drone strike in Kuwait
Mary Moriarty announced the charges and described them as a step toward accountability for harm caused during “Operation Metro Surge.” Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr., a resident of Maryland, was assigned to the Minneapolis area as part of the crackdown.
Highway Incident Leads to Serious Allegations
The charges stem from a February 5 incident when the Minnesota State Patrol received a 911 call. The caller reported that a man in a black SUV pointed a gun at two people traveling in another vehicle on a busy highway in the Twin Cities area.
The victims told authorities they were stuck in traffic when they noticed an unmarked SUV approaching from behind on the shoulder, attempting to bypass vehicles. One of them briefly moved onto the shoulder to block the SUV and slow it down before returning to the main lane.
ICE faces scrutiny after immigrant reports head injuries during Minnesota arrest ruled unlawful
According to the complaint, the SUV driver, later identified as Morgan, pulled up next to their car, rolled down his window, pointed a handgun at both occupants, and shouted something unclear. The victims said they felt shocked and believed they were facing a dangerous individual.
Frightened by the situation, the victims immediately called 911 and recorded a video of the SUV. The footage captured a Utah license plate, which later became a crucial piece of evidence that helped investigators move forward with the case.
Investigation, Identification, and Ongoing Legal Developments
Using the license plate captured in the victims’ video, investigators traced the SUV to a rental made by another ICE officer believed to be Morgan’s partner. This key detail helped authorities identify Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr. as the person involved in the highway incident. The discovery provided a clear starting point for the investigation and allowed officials to connect the vehicle directly to federal personnel working in the area during the enforcement surge.
During a voluntary interview with state investigators, Morgan explained his side of the story. He said he was driving back to the Federal Whipple Building, which served as a temporary ICE headquarters. According to him, the incident happened at the end of his shift when another vehicle suddenly moved in front of him. He claimed he felt threatened and reacted by drawing his firearm and shouting “Police Stop” in an effort to make the vehicle move away.
39 charged after anti-ICE protest disrupts Minnesota church service, families inside
Despite Morgan’s explanation, authorities decided to proceed with criminal charges. A nationwide arrest warrant has now been issued against him. So far, neither Immigration and Customs Enforcement nor the Department of Homeland Security has publicly commented on the case, and attempts to reach Morgan have not been successful.
Speaking at a press conference, Mary Moriarty said this case has moved faster than other incidents linked to the operation due to stronger evidence access. She also referred to earlier cases involving Alex Pretti, Renee Macklin Good, and Julio Sosa-Celis. In March, Minnesota filed a lawsuit against the administration of Donald Trump, alleging that federal agencies withheld key evidence in those investigations.