In Minnesota, the U.S. Attorney's office is currently undergoing notable staff reductions as multiple federal prosecutors exit the office. Sources familiar with the situation revealed that these departures are occurring concurrently with growing dissatisfaction concerning the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement actions and the Justice Department’s handling of fatal shootings of civilians by federal personnel.
These recent resignations add to a previous wave from the prior month, when over six attorneys left amid disputes surrounding the Justice Department’s response to the shooting of Renee Good, an incident involving an agent from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Additionally, at least one supervisory FBI agent stationed in Minneapolis is reported to have stepped down during the same period.
On Monday evening, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported that eight legal staff members have either departed or indicated plans to leave the office. A confidential source familiar with non-public internal movements confirmed the accuracy of this figure and suggested more departures are expected. Another individual corroborated the emergence of this new turnover phase.
The office has yet to issue any official statements regarding these personnel changes.
This development unfolds amid a climate of upheaval across Minnesota during recent weeks. Law enforcement agencies are divided on the correct course of action in reaction to violent incidents occurring within the framework of expanded immigration enforcement efforts. Notably, Minnesota officials expressed concern after federal authorities denied state investigators access to evidence tied to the Renee Good shooting and declared the state lacked jurisdiction to investigate the case. Furthermore, the Justice Department opted not to initiate a civil rights probe into Ms. Good’s death.
Initially, officials from the Trump administration indicated the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would lead the investigation into the subsequent fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse killed by Border Patrol officers. However, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche disclosed last week that the Justice Department is now conducting a civil rights investigation to ascertain whether criminal conduct occurred in relation to Pretti's death.
Blanche commented, "We’re examining all factors that could help elucidate the events of that day, along with developments in the time leading up to it." This statement underscores the department’s comprehensive approach toward the case.