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The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office (HCAO), the State of Minnesota, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) sued the federal government today for access to evidence related to the shootings of Renee Good, Julio Sosa-Celis, and Alex Pretti.
The lawsuit names the United States Department of Justice and Attorney General Pam Bondi as well as the United States Department of Homeland Security and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
It was filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., where the agencies and their leaders are located.
The following individuals from the HCAO have been admitted to the federal bar in Washington, D.C.:
- Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty
- Deputy County Attorney Sarah Davis
- Criminal Division Director Morgan Kunz
- Division of Professional Standards Director Clare Diegel
“The lawsuit filed today challenging the categorical withholding of all evidence from our office and the State of Minnesota for a criminal investigation is unprecedented in American history,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said. “One of the sovereign states of this nation is suing for evidence regarding the deaths of two of its residents and the shooting of another by federal agents within its jurisdiction; evidence that is intentionally being withheld by the federal government.”
“It is extraordinary that we need to file this lawsuit at all,” Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said. “Cooperation between federal and state law enforcement in Minnesota is entirely routine: local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies on the ground in Minnesota have decades of relationships with each other and share a desire to solve crime and keep people safe. It should go without saying that we share jurisdiction with the federal government in this case: these incidents happened in Minnesota and fall under state law, regardless of the fact that federal agents are involved. The feds’ choice not to share evidence with us is arbitrary and capricious and has no rational basis.”
“While we are dealing with unprecedented actions by federal authorities and decision makers, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension remains committed to conducting thorough, impartial and transparent investigations,” said BCA Superintendent Drew Evans. “We hope that today’s action will assist us in that effort.”
The HCAO is working on this matter alongside Attorney General Keith Ellison and his staff, as well as with two outside legal groups: the Washington Litigation Group, a law firm in DC with extensive expertise in federal litigation focused on fighting for the rule of law, and the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, a non-partisan institute at Georgetown Law School focused on protecting constitutional rights and our democratic processes.
Their pro bono support continues to be invaluable.
TIMELINE
Jan. 7
- Renee Good is shot and killed by an ICE agent.
- The BCA and the FBI Minneapolis Field Office leadership agree to conduct a joint investigation into the killing. Both agencies are in contact with HCAO and the Minnesota USAO.
- The First Assistant U.S. Attorney in Minnesota confirms to HCAO that it will be a joint investigation.
- Later that same day, the federal government abruptly decides to stop all collaboration and information sharing. This decision is communicated by U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen.
- BCA agents, having previously been told they could join interviews with the federal officers involved, wait at the Whipple Building for the interviews to begin.
- While waiting, they are told that the position of the federal government has changed, and that they will not be allowed to be present. The BCA asks why there will be no cooperation and is directed to U.S. Attorney Rosen.
- On the evening of January 7, 2026, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota confirms to the BCA Superintendent that there will be no joint investigation and no federal cooperation or evidence sharing with state officials.
Jan.14
- Julio Sosa-Celis is shot by a federal agent.
- Initially, BCA and FBI agents work side by side.
- Cooperation again abruptly ends.
Jan. 16
- The federal government charges Mr. Sosa-Celis for allegedly attacking the federal agent who shot him.
Jan. 24
- Alex Pretti is shot and killed by federal agents.
- Federal agents physically block BCA agents from entering the scene.
- The FBI Special Agent in Charge informs the BCA that he was ordered to not allow state authorities to process the scene.
Feb. 2
- HCAO submits two official “Touhy” demand letters for federal information as part of its investigation into the killing of Renee Good.
Feb. 12
- The Department of Justice moves to dismiss the case against Mr. Sosa-Celis and another individual with prejudice – meaning they cannot be recharged – citing newly discovered evidence and factual inconsistencies.
Feb. 13
- ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons says two agents had lied under oath regarding the incident involving Mr. Sosa-Celis.
Feb. 17
- The deadline passes for federal government to respond to “Touhy” demand related to Ms. Good’s killing.
Feb. 17-19
- HCAO issues additional “Touhy” demands to the federal government related to the killing of Mr. Pretti and shooting of Mr. Sosa-Celis.
Feb. 18
- HCAO receives communication from DHS asking for an extension on “Touhy” demand related to Ms. Good until March 3.
March 3
- The deadline passes for federal government to respond to “Touhy” demand related to Mr. Pretti’s killing.
- HCAO receives a final written response from ICE regarding the “Touhy” demand in Ms. Good’s killing, refusing to make any of the requested evidence available. This response is legally meritless and provides no lawful justification for refusing to process the demand.
March 5
- The deadline passes for federal government to respond to “Touhy” demand related to Mr. Sosa-Celis’ shooting.
March 24
- The HCAO, State of Minnesota, and BCA sue the Department of Justice and Attorney General Pam Bondi as well as the Department of Homeland Security and Secretary Kristi Noem.
PACER: 26-CV-01007
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Look for more news on the Hennepin County Attorney's Office website.
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