DOJ releases evidence related to Operation Metro Surge shootings

By Elyse Apel
The Center Square

Six months after two people were killed during Operation Metro Surge, the U.S. Department of Justice has handed over evidence related to the deaths to Minnesota officials.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty made the announcement of the “two-way evidence sharing” between state and federal agencies recently.

“Today, I am proud to announce that we have reached another important milestone in our work,” Moriarty said in a video statement. “Through the cooperation of our federal partners, we have obtained hard drives of previously withheld evidence in the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and the shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis.”

Moriarty’s office worked in coordination with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office.

The evidence includes hard drives and physical evidence, including Good’s vehicle, according to Moriarty.

“I want to thank our federal partners for their willingness to consider changing course to share evidence and promote public trust,” she said. “Obtaining this evidence has been a priority for us since January 7, the day Renee Good was shot and killed, it has been rightfully demanded by our community for six months.”

This announcement comes after months of ongoing disputes between Minnesota officials and the federal government over access to evidence from the shootings.

In March, Minnesota officials sued the U.S. Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security, arguing “unprecedented noncooperation” from federal agencies.

“The State of Minnesota has the authority and responsibility to protect against and address violence within its borders, including by prosecuting homicides, attempted homicides, and assaults,” the lawsuit stated. “At stake is not only Plaintiffs’ access to evidence central to these shootings but also a fundamental principle of our constitutional system: that the States retain the sovereign authority—and responsibility—to investigate crimes committed within their borders.”

Federal officials previously defended the actions of agents involved in the shootings, stating the incidents remained under federal investigation.

“Every use of force incident and any discharge of an ICE firearm must be properly reported and reviewed by the agency in accordance with agency policy, procedure, and guidelines,” a DHS spokesperson told The Center Square. “All shootings are initially reviewed by an appropriate law enforcement agency. Following a review of the incident by the appropriate investigative agency, ICE and CBP conduct an independent review of the critical incident.”

Moriarty said on Monday the newly-obtained evidence will now be analyzed alongside information already collected by state investigators.

“After receiving this evidence, we immediately began to analyze it in the context of the evidence we already had in hand,” she said. “This analysis is ongoing. We are committed to seeing this through, to making a decision, and being transparent about it, no matter where the evidence takes us.”

Moriarty added that she is committed to seeking justice.

“I have been consistent that we have not prejudged any of these instances, and also that we need transparency. We need cooperation. Our community needs it,” she said.

The January shootings became a major point of tension between Minnesota officials and the federal government during Operation Metro Surge, which brought thousands of federal agents to the Twin Cities as part of a federal immigration enforcement effort.

In the past few months, multiple federal agents have faced state charges for their actions during the operation.

Federal officials have criticized these prosecutions, calling them politically motivated.

“This does nothing to make Minnesota safer. Enforcing federal immigration laws is a clear federal responsibility under Article I, Article II and the Supremacy Clause,” a DHS spokesperson told The Center Square in April. “Federal officials acting in the course of their duties are immune from liability under state law.”

Moriarty has rejected that argument, previously stating her office will pursue charges where appropriate and is prepared for potential legal challenges.

“We will investigate and pursue charging where appropriate, and we’ll seek collaboration with local law enforcement wherever ⁠and whenever needed,” she said. “Make no mistake, we are not afraid of any legal fight.”