Minnesota County Opens Criminal Investigation Into Greg Bovino, Other Federal Immigration Agents

Hennepin County, Minnesota, has opened a criminal investigation into Greg Bovino and other federal immigration agents over their conduct during enforcement measures in the state.

The Details: Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said at a press conference on Monday that her office is investigating 17 incidents involving "potential unlawful behavior" of federal agents, including the use of a chemical irritant by US Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino. Moriarty's office, through the Transparency and Accountability Project, created a portal that allows the public to submit videos and other evidence of incidents they witnessed in which federal agents may have committed a crime. It was created due to an alleged lack of investigation into the actions of federal agents from local law enforcement and the federal government, according to Moriarty. The portal has now been closed after receiving more than 1,000 submissions.

Key Quotes: "We will investigate and pursue charging where appropriate, and we'll seek collaboration with local law enforcement wherever ⁠and whenever needed," Moriarty said. "Make no mistake, we are not afraid of any legal fight." A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said, "Politicians are laying blame at the feet of law enforcement instead of looking in the mirror at ​how they have fueled the hatred and violent attacks we are seeing against federal law enforcement officers."

For Context: In January, there was nationwide outrage when a crackdown on undocumented immigrants in Minnesota led to the shooting and killing of two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who had joined protests against Operation Metro Surge. Since then, Bovino has returned to his former job as a Border Patrol sector chief in El Centro, California.

How the Media Covered It: As of early Tuesday, the investigation was widely covered by the left, but AllSides did not find coverage from the right. Associated Press (Left bias) noted that the investigations "may lead to charges" though Homeland Security says that "such enforcement is a federal responsibility" and that states cannot prosecute federal officers.

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