ICE Agent Faces Assault Charges for Allegedly Pointing Gun at Motorists on Minneapolis Highway
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent has been charged with assault for allegedly pointing his service weapon at occupants of a vehicle while driving on a Minneapolis highway, according to prosecutors in Minnesota. The incident, which occurred on February 5, 2026, has led to two counts of second-degree aggravated assault against Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr., a 35-year-old federal officer.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to an arrest warrant filed in Hennepin County, which includes Minneapolis, Morgan was working as an ICE officer in the area when the altercation took place on Minnesota State Highway 62. The warrant states that Morgan was driving a rented, unmarked SUV on the shoulder of the highway. A car on the road moved into the shoulder to attempt to slow him down, unaware that he was a federal officer. After the car returned to the legal lane, Morgan pulled up alongside it and pointed his gun at the people inside.
Charging documents note that Morgan and his partner, who was not charged, were on their way to the federal building to end their shift when they encountered traffic. Morgan reportedly told a Minnesota State Patrol officer that he drew his firearm and yelled "Police Stop," but the victims could not hear him because their windows were up. The incident did not occur during an official enforcement action, according to the documents.
Prosecution and Legal Implications
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced the charges on Thursday, April 16, 2026, stating that this is believed to be the first criminal case brought against a federal immigration officer involved in the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration enforcement. Moriarty emphasized that Morgan's actions were beyond the scope of a federal officer's authority, asserting, "There is no such thing as absolute immunity for federal agents who violate the law in the state of Minnesota."
In Minnesota, felony second-degree assault is punishable by up to seven years in prison, or up to ten years if the assault inflicted substantial bodily harm. Morgan is charged with two counts because he threatened both individuals in the vehicle, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Broader Context and Political Tensions
The charges could intensify clashes between the Trump administration and Minnesota officials over immigration enforcement tactics. The Department of Homeland Security deployed approximately 3,000 federal officers to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area from December through February in what was described as its largest immigration enforcement operation ever. This operation led to thousands of arrests, mass protests, and the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens.
Backlash over aggressive tactics mounted, resulting in the firing of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in March 2026 and the retirement of Border Patrol sector chief Gregory Bovino. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has warned that the Justice Department could investigate and prosecute state or local officials who arrest federal agents for performing their official duties, citing federal laws that prohibit interfering with immigration operations.
Moriarty, however, stated she is not concerned about blowback from the Trump administration, affirming that her office's goal is to "hold people accountable if they violate the laws of the state." Department of Homeland Security and Justice Department officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and attempts to contact Morgan were unsuccessful.
