Federal Prosecutors Resign in Wake of ICE Shooting Investigation

In a significant development, approximately six federal prosecutors in Minnesota have resigned amidst escalating tensions surrounding the investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer. This wave of resignations includes several supervisors from the criminal section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, which typically oversees such high-profile cases.

The turmoil began following a controversial decision by the Trump administration to exclude state officials from participating in the investigation into Good’s death. Good was shot in the head by an ICE agent last week in Minneapolis, prompting the need for thorough scrutiny. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that lawyers in the Civil Rights Division were informed they would not be involved in the probe at this time.

Key Departures and Political Reaction

Among those who have resigned is Joe Thompson, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, who had been actively leading investigations into various fraud schemes in the state. His departure, along with at least four other prosecutors from the Minnesota U.S. attorney’s office, highlights the ongoing crisis within the office, which has faced considerable political pressure under the current administration.

The resignations have drawn sharp criticism from Minnesota’s Democratic lawmakers. Senator Amy Klobuchar, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, described the departures as “a loss for our state and for public safety.” She emphasized that prosecutions should remain free from political influence. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also expressed concern over the implications of these resignations, suggesting that they indicate undue political pressure on career Justice Department officials.

Further complicating the situation, state investigators reported being unable to access crucial evidence in the shooting case after the FBI assumed control of the investigation. Governor Walz criticized the federal government for effectively freezing state authorities out of the process, stating, “It feels very, very difficult that we will get a fair outcome.”

Context and Historical Significance

The resignations within the Civil Rights Division’s criminal section, which includes its chief, were formally communicated to staff on Monday. The Justice Department later claimed that those prosecutors had sought to participate in an early retirement program “well before the events in Minnesota,” asserting that any suggestion of political motivation is inaccurate. This division, established nearly 70 years ago, has a storied history of investigating law enforcement-related shootings, although securing criminal prosecutions typically requires meeting a high legal threshold.

Historically, the Civil Rights Division has acted swiftly in opening public investigations into instances of potential civil rights violations, particularly those involving law enforcement. For example, during the first Trump administration, the Justice Department initiated a civil rights investigation into the 2020 death of George Floyd, resulting in criminal charges against police officers involved. In contrast, the current administration has moved away from such proactive measures, reflecting a shift in priorities.

This latest series of resignations underscores the ongoing challenges and complexities faced by the Justice Department, as it navigates the intersection of law enforcement, civil rights, and political dynamics.