Minnesota Kicks Off Legal Battle With Trump Administration to Hold ICE Shooters Accountable

Hennepin County and the State of Minnesota have initiated a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Justice after the Trump administration refused to cooperate with local investigations into shootings by federal agents. The legal battle centers on three specific incidents: the fatal shooting of Renee Good, the wounding of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, and the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti. Despite state requests for evidence and the identification of involved agents, federal authorities have cited immunity and refused to comply with 'Touhy letters'—formal requests for information. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty and Attorney General Keith Ellison argue that federal immunity cannot be used to shield agents from accountability for potentially unlawful acts. The case is expected to test the 'supremacy clause' of the Constitution, which historically protects federal officers from state prosecution while performing lawful duties.