Justice Department prosecutors resign amid turmoil over Minnesota ICE shooting investigation

"The resignations follow growing tensions over a decision by the Trump administration to block the state out of the investigation into the shooting of Renee Good, who was fatally shot in the head by an immigration agent last week. Lawyers in the Civil Rights Division, which generally investigates high-profile officer shootings, were also recently told that the division would not be involved at this stage in the probe, two people familiar with the matter said."

"Among the departures in Minnesota is First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson, who had been leading the sprawling investigation and prosecution of fraud schemes in the state, two other people said. At least four other prosecutors in the Minnesota U.S. attorney's office joined Thompson in resigning amid a period of tension in the office, the people said. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss personnel matters."

"They are the latest in an exodus of career Justice Department attorneys who have resigned or been forced out over concerns over political pressure or shifting priorities under the Trump administration. Hundreds of Justice Department lawyers have been fired or have left voluntarily over the last year. Minnesota Democratic lawmakers criticized the departures, with Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, calling the resignations a loss for our state and for public safety and warning that prosecutions should not be driven by politics."

Roughly half a dozen federal prosecutors in Minnesota resigned and several supervisors in the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division gave notice of departures amid turmoil over the federal probe into Renee Good’s killing by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis. The Trump administration blocked the state from participating in the investigation, and Civil Rights Division lawyers were told the division would not be involved at this stage. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson and at least four other prosecutors left amid internal tension. Sources spoke on condition of anonymity. The departures join a wider exodus of career Justice Department attorneys amid concerns about political pressure; hundreds have left or been fired. Minnesota Democrats, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Gov. Tim Walz, criticized the departures and warned against political influence on prosecutions.

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