MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota officials are planning to investigate the actions of federal law enforcement officers in one county, potentially including kidnapping, burglary, and false imprisonment.
Ramsey County Attorney John Choi and Sheriff Bob Fletcher announced plans to share more details about the investigation at a scheduled news conference later today. Ramsey County includes the state capital of St. Paul.
Choi and Fletcher indicated that they intend to seek cooperation and information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security concerning their investigation. So far, the department has been uncooperative with local inquiries related to the alleged unlawful actions of federal officers, particularly following the reported killings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis during the previous administration's immigration enforcement efforts.
While specifics of the incidents under scrutiny were not detailed, local authorities have stated they would be asking the public for any relevant information regarding these cases and others.
The state, alongside the chief prosecutor in Hennepin County, which encompasses Minneapolis, recently filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to gain access to crucial evidence they argue is necessary for an independent investigation into multiple federal officer-involved shootings in Minneapolis.
The killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti are among the incidents being examined.
Minnesota and Hennepin County are also appealing to the public for any information related to potentially illegal activities by federal officers due to the refusal of federal authorities to provide needed evidence. The Trump administration has contended that state officials lack jurisdiction over these investigations, but state and county prosecutors maintain the necessity of conducting their inquiries amid distrust of federal oversight.
As per recent statements, the Justice Department announced a civil rights investigation into the circumstances of Pretti's killing, and two officers have been placed on administrative leave. However, it has deemed that no federal probe is warranted for the death of Good.
