Top Federal Prosecutors in Minnesota Terminated Amid Dispute Over ICE Shooting Investigation
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — In a dramatic turn of events, five federal prosecutors in Minnesota were officially terminated by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday, a day after they submitted their resignations citing internal disputes over the investigation of a shooting involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Among those dismissed was Joseph Thompson, the second-highest ranking official in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Minnesota.
The controversy centers on the DOJ’s handling of the probe into the shooting incident, which has drawn significant public attention and protests. The prosecutors reportedly clashed with DOJ leadership regarding the direction and transparency of the investigation, leading to their decision to resign. However, before their resignations could take effect, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche directed their immediate termination.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the prosecutors had been on paid leave for several months prior to their dismissal. The dispute first came to light through reporting by the New York Times, which detailed the internal disagreements surrounding the probe.
The shooting itself has intensified scrutiny of ICE’s operations in Minnesota, with demonstrators staging protests in cities such as New York, demanding accountability and reform. Signs reading “CRUSH I.C.E.” and “ICE Cold Killers” were prominent during recent rallies. The incident has also fueled broader debates about immigration enforcement policies and local sanctuary stances.
The Department of Justice’s decisive action to terminate the prosecutors highlights the tensions within federal law enforcement and prosecutorial ranks over sensitive cases involving immigration authorities. According to the DOJ, such measures are sometimes necessary to maintain the integrity and efficiency of ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency continues to face criticism and calls for oversight, especially in cases involving use of force. The agency has maintained that its agents operate under strict guidelines and that investigations into incidents like the Minnesota shooting are conducted thoroughly.
Legal experts note that the firing of high-ranking prosecutors amid an active investigation is unusual and may have implications for the probe’s progress and public trust. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota has yet to announce replacements or comment on the next steps in the investigation.
As the situation unfolds, Minnesota’s federal law enforcement landscape remains in flux, with questions about accountability, transparency, and the balance between immigration enforcement and civil rights continuing to dominate the discourse.
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