Minnesota Prosecutors Launch Criminal Investigation Into Federal Agents After “Metro Surge” Crackdown

A sweeping criminal investigation has been launched in Minnesota following allegations of misconduct by federal agents during a controversial enforcement operation known as “Operation Metro Surge.”

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced that prosecutors are now reviewing at least

17 separate incidents involving potential unlawful conducttied to the federal crackdown in Minneapolis and surrounding areas.

Among the individuals under scrutiny is U.S. Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino, whose actions during one of the operations were captured on video that quickly spread across social media and international news outlets.

The footage shows Bovino addressing a group gathered in a Minneapolis park during a tense confrontation between federal agents and protesters.

In the video, Bovino can reportedly be heard issuing warnings before deploying chemical agents into the crowd.

“Gas is coming. Second warning,” he says.

Moments later, according to the video footage, he adds: “Third warning. Gas, gas, gas.”

Shortly after the announcement, a chemical canister appears to be thrown into the park, releasing clouds of green and gray smoke that spread across the snow-covered ground.

Witnesses in the footage can be seen scrambling to leave the area as the smoke fills the air.

Some individuals appear to be hit with what observers described as orange chemical spray.

Images from the scene — including snow stained green by the chemical agents — circulated widely online and quickly became a focal point of criticism of the operation.

Now, prosecutors are examining whether the actions of federal agents during the confrontation violated state laws.

According to Moriarty’s office, the investigation will examine whether federal agents used force unlawfully or engaged in conduct that could potentially rise to the level of criminal violations.

The inquiry is part of a broader effort by local authorities to review the conduct of federal agents operating in Minnesota during the controversial operation.

“Operation Metro Surge,” which was backed by officials aligned with former President Donald Trump, was described by its supporters as an aggressive law-and-order campaign aimed at restoring security in areas experiencing unrest.

Critics, however, argue that the operation involved excessive force and lacked transparency.

To support the investigation, Moriarty announced the creation of a Transparency and Accountability Project, a new initiative designed to collect evidence from the public.

The project includes an online portal where residents can upload photographs, videos, and other materials related to interactions with federal agents during the operation.

Prosecutors say the portal is already receiving submissions and that investigators have begun reviewing the evidence.

According to Moriarty, the initiative was created in part because local authorities have struggled to obtain information directly from federal agencies involved in the operation.

She stated that her office has sent formal requests seeking details about the actions of federal agents deployed in Minnesota.

Those requests, she said, have so far produced limited responses.

“If I’m the public, if I’m the government, I would want transparency,” Moriarty said during a press briefing announcing the investigation.

Her office argues that access to information is critical for determining whether laws were violated and for ensuring public accountability.

The investigation also follows two highly controversial incidents involving federal agents that have drawn national attention.

Those cases involve the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, which occurred during encounters with federal authorities.

Officials say the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is now compiling evidence related to those incidents as part of broader case reviews.

More than 1,000 pieces of evidence — including witness testimony, video recordings, and photographs — have reportedly been submitted by community members in connection with those investigations.

While prosecutors have not announced formal charges in any of the cases, Moriarty said investigators are carefully reviewing the material to determine whether criminal laws were broken.

The county attorney also signaled that further legal action could be taken if federal agencies continue to withhold information.

“If we cannot obtain the materials we need through cooperation,” Moriarty said, “we will consider other legal avenues.”

One possible option, she suggested, could include filing a lawsuit to compel federal agencies to release investigative records.

Such a move would represent a rare legal confrontation between local prosecutors and the federal government over law enforcement conduct.

Legal experts say the situation highlights the complicated jurisdictional issues that arise when federal agents operate within state and local communities.

While federal officers typically have broad authority under federal law, they may still be subject to certain state criminal statutes depending on the circumstances of their actions.

Civil liberties advocates say the investigation represents an important test of accountability.

“Local prosecutors have a responsibility to investigate potential crimes regardless of who commits them,” said one legal analyst familiar with the case.

Supporters of the federal operation, however, argue that agents were acting under difficult circumstances while attempting to maintain order and enforce federal law.

Some officials aligned with the operation have suggested that the investigation is politically motivated.

They argue that federal agents often face dangerous situations and must make rapid decisions in chaotic environments.

As the investigation continues, tensions between local authorities and federal officials appear likely to intensify.

The outcome could have broader implications for how federal law enforcement operations are conducted in cities across the United States.

For residents of Minneapolis and communities across Minnesota, the case has become a flashpoint in an ongoing national debate about policing, accountability, and the balance of power between federal and local authorities.