ICE assault charge seen as ‘milestone’ for Minnesota prosecutors
Minnesota prosecutors have filed assault charges against a federal immigration officer over his alleged involvement in a road-rage incident in February during the Trump administration’s Operation Metro Surge, Qazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr., 35, has been charged with two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, according to Hennepin County court records dated April 16. A nationwide arrest warrant has been issued for him.
Prosecutors allege that on Feb. 5, Morgan drove illegally along the shoulder of a congested Minnesota highway in an unmarked SUV and pointed a firearm at two occupants of another vehicle.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that in January 2026, Minnesota saw a large-scale protest during which many residents stayed home from work, classes, and shopping in response to a surge in federal immigration enforcement and the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer.
A month earlier, airports across the United States had faced significant delays on a Monday as staffing at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) fell short during a funding lapse at the Department of Homeland Security. Some employees had missed multiple paychecks, leading to absences and operational strain.
U.S. President Donald Trump had ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel to assist at airports in several major cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, New York and Houston. Officials said the agents were assigned to help manage lines and crowds rather than carry out immigration enforcement.
Passengers reported waiting several hours at busy hubs such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where lines extended into baggage claim areas and outside terminals. Some travelers missed their flights despite arriving early.
The disruption was linked to a budget impasse in Washington over funding for homeland security agencies. The disagreement was partly tied to concerns raised by some lawmakers about immigration enforcement practices, including recent fatal incidents involving federal agents.
The funding dispute had delayed payments to TSA personnel, affecting staffing levels at airports during peak travel periods.
Amid these developments, the presence of ICE personnel at airports drew mixed reactions. Federal and local officials stated that the agents were supporting operational needs only and were not conducting immigration enforcement inside terminals.
Some passengers said the additional personnel could help manage large crowds, while others questioned whether agents trained for enforcement roles were appropriate for airport operations, particularly given the broader debate surrounding recent incidents.
Wait times varied across locations, with some airports reporting extended delays and others operating with minimal disruption. In New York, operations were further affected after an incident at LaGuardia Airport temporarily halted flights, adding to nationwide delays.
