Federal Prosecutors Resign Amid Investigative Turmoil in Minneapolis

Wed Jan 14 2026 01:42:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The departure of several key federal prosecutors in Minnesota raises concerns over political influence and the direction of civil rights investigations following the fatal shooting incident involving an ICE officer.

In Minnesota, approximately six federal prosecutors, including First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson, have resigned in response to the contentious investigation into the shooting death of Renee Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. The Trump administration's decision to withhold state involvement in the probe and a broader climate of political pressure within the Justice Department have led to heightened tensions and an exodus of legal experts from the department. Lawmakers are voicing alarms about the implications for public safety and the integrity of prosecutions.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A significant shake-up is underway within the federal prosecutor's office in Minnesota as around half a dozen federal prosecutors have resigned, including First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson, amid rising tensions concerning the investigation into the tragic shooting of a woman by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. The incident involving Renee Good, who was fatally shot in Minneapolis, has raised critical questions about the political influence on federal law enforcement and prosecutions.

Lawyers from the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, responsible for high-profile investigations of police misconduct, have expressed frustration over the Trump administration’s decision to block state participation in the investigation, signaling a troubling trend within the department. The division has historically acted swiftly to address such civil rights violations, a practice currently being undercut by political maneuvers.

Thompson had previously been spearheading comprehensive investigations into fraud schemes in the state. His departure, along with other prosecutors, marks an alarming trend noticed among Justice Department attorneys who have been resigning or facing dismissal due to perceived political pressures.

According to Minnesota lawmakers, the resignations represent a significant loss for public safety and signal concerning shifts in the way federal investigations are conducted. This escalating issue brings into sharp focus the complexities and challenges surrounding the division's role in ensuring justice and accountability in the wake of police violence, as seen previously in the George Floyd case.

Lawmakers have voiced their concerns over how the resignations might influence ongoing cases and the administration of justice in Minnesota. Tensions continue to rise as these events unfold, highlighting the impact of political considerations on crucial law enforcement positions.