ICE Agent Charged with Assault for Gun Incident on Minnesota Highway

Thu Apr 16 2026 20:41:11 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A federal immigration officer faces serious charges after allegedly brandishing a firearm at civilians during a traffic incident in Minneapolis, prompting discussions on law enforcement authority and accountability.

Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr., an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, has been charged with two counts of second-degree aggravated assault for allegedly pointing his service weapon at occupants of another vehicle on Minnesota State Highway 62. The incident, occurring on February 5, has raised questions about the extent of federal officers' authority in state jurisdictions, with Minnesota officials asserting that violating state laws cannot be justified by federal status. This case marks a notable development in ongoing tensions between state officials and the federal immigration enforcement strategies introduced during the Trump administration.

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, indicates Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr. is charged with two counts of second-degree aggravated assault. The warrant states Morgan was working as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in the area when he pointed a gun at the occupants of a vehicle on February 5 while driving a rented, unmarked SUV.

The incident unfolded when the driver of another vehicle tried to slow Morgan down, unaware of his federal status. After the vehicle returned to the legal lane, Morgan allegedly pulled up alongside and threatened the occupants.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty commented on the case, suggesting it could be the first instance of a federal immigration officer facing criminal charges linked to the extensive immigration enforcement actions during the Trump administration. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security and Justice Department have not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the case.

Moriarty expressed confidence in prosecuting the case, stating her office is committed to holding individuals accountable, irrespective of their federal affiliations, and emphasized that there is no complete immunity for federal agents violating state laws.

The charges carry severe penalties, with second-degree assault in Minnesota punishable by up to seven years in prison, or up to ten years with evidence of substantial bodily harm.

This incident could exacerbate the already strained relationship between Minnesota officials and the Trump administration over immigration policies, particularly as acting attorney general Todd Blanche warned local authorities against arresting federal agents performing their official duties.

According to the charging documents, Morgan identified himself as a federal officer by yelling “Police Stop” while drawing his firearm, but the victims could not hear him due to their closed windows. The arrest warrant states these circumstances could further complicate their case against Morgan.

The escalation of federal immigration enforcement under the previous administration has led to significant protests and tensions in municipalities across the country. Moving forward, the implications of this charge may play a pivotal role in shaping future interactions between state officials and federal law enforcement entities.