Nationwide warrant issued for ICE agent charged in Hwy 62 assault, first tied to Operation Metro Surge

Mary Moriarty announced the charges Thursday, alleging Gregory Donnell Morgan, Jr., an ICE agent, committed second-degree assault during a February roadside confrontation, as local authorities continue broader investigations into federal law enforcement conduct in Hennepin County.

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has charged an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent with two felony counts of second-degree assault stemming from a February incident on Highway 62, marking what officials say may be a first-of-its-kind case tied to a federal immigration operation.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced Thursday that Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr. is accused of pointing a firearm at two civilians while driving alongside them on the Crosstown Highway. A nationwide warrant has been issued for his arrest.

According to the criminal complaint, the incident occurred Feb. 5, when Morgan allegedly drove a rented, unmarked black SUV along the shoulder of eastbound Highway 62 near the Portland Avenue exit in an apparent attempt to bypass traffic.

Authorities say a driver briefly moved onto the shoulder to slow Morgan before returning to the traffic lane. Morgan then accelerated, pulled alongside the vehicle, matched its speed, and pointed his duty weapon at both occupants while continuing to drive illegally on the shoulder.

Both individuals reported feeling threatened. One called 911 while the other recorded video of the SUV.

“This conduct was extremely dangerous,” Moriarty said. “Driving while pointing a weapon out of your moving vehicle at another car could have led to yet another disastrous incident in a community that has already suffered too many.”

Investigation moved quickly

Moriarty emphasized that the timeline for charges—just over two months—was shorter than in other recent high-profile cases involving federal agents, due largely to a smoother investigative process.

The Minnesota State Patrol was able to identify Morgan, interview him and a partner, and gather corroborating evidence, including highway camera footage. Morgan reportedly admitted during a recorded interview that he drew his firearm after the victims had already reentered the traffic lane.

“Virtually none of the obstacles around evidence collection that exist in other cases were present here,” Moriarty said, referencing ongoing investigations into other incidents linked to federal operations in the county.

Morgan has been charged with two counts of second-degree assault—one for each victim. Under Minnesota law, the charges carry a presumptive sentence of 36 months in prison.

Legal questions and federal tensions

During the press conference, Moriarty pushed back on claims from federal officials that agents have broad legal immunity.

“There is no such thing as absolute immunity for federal agents who violate state law,” she said. “If a federal agent claims their actions were within the scope of their authority, the burden is on them to prove that in court.”

She added that pointing a gun at civilians while driving illegally “is well beyond the scope” of any federal authority.

The case could ultimately be moved to federal court if Morgan asserts a federal defense, though Moriarty said her office would continue prosecuting it regardless of venue. Officials said they do not currently know Morgan’s whereabouts or whether he remains employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A Maryland address is listed in the complaint, but authorities have not confirmed his residence.

Moriarty said her office hopes Morgan will voluntarily surrender but noted that the nationwide warrant allows for his arrest anywhere in the United States.

Broader context

The charges come amid heightened scrutiny of federal law enforcement activity during Operation Metro Surge.

“This is the first federal agent charged in connection with Operation Metro Surge,” Moriarty said, adding that multiple other investigations remain ongoing through the county’s Transparency and Accountability Project.

She described the case as “an important milestone” in efforts to hold law enforcement accountable.

“Our role is to enforce the laws of the state of Minnesota,” Moriarty said. “We will not rest until accountability is delivered wherever appropriate.”

In Ramsey County, prosecutors are looking at possible kidnapping charges along with other potential crimes connected to the arrest of a St. Paul man in January, who was dragged out of his home in a blanket and Crocs by federal officers, despite the fact that he is an American citizen.