Minnesota files lawsuit against Trump administration over evidence access in Pretti, Good shootings
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: The state of Minnesota has filed a lawsuit against the administration of President Donald Trump, seeking access to evidence related to the fatal shootings of two residents during a federal immigration crackdown earlier this year.
The legal action follows disputes between state and federal authorities over access to investigative materials.
Officials allege they have been denied critical information needed to examine the incidents. The case also includes a third, non-fatal shooting under review.
Minnesota alleges evidence withheld in shootings
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, centers on the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, who were shot by federal agents during a large-scale immigration enforcement operation in the Minneapolis area.
State officials are seeking access to materials related to those incidents, as well as a third shooting involving a surviving victim. According to the complaint, Minnesota authorities have faced resistance from federal agencies in obtaining investigative records.
The state alleges that the federal government has not fulfilled commitments to cooperate following the operation, referred to as “Operation Metro Surge.”
The lawsuit states that federal authorities are not permitted to “withhold investigative evidence for the purpose of shielding law enforcement officers from scrutiny where a State is investigating serious potential violations of its criminal laws, targeting its citizens, within its borders.”
The complaint further alleges that the shootings were part of broader enforcement actions carried out during the operation.
“These shootings are just three examples of the violent actions committed by federal agents in Minnesota during the Surge,” the filing said. “Federal agents also carried out illegal stops, sweeps, arrests, and dangerous raids in sensitive public spaces. The Surge created widespread fear among Minnesota residents, both citizens and noncitizens.”
Pam Bondi testifies before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on February 11, 2026, in Washington, DC (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)Among those named as defendants in the lawsuit are Attorney General Pam Bondi and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Background: Dispute over evidence access intensifies
The legal action follows earlier disputes between state and federal officials over access to evidence in the shootings.
In February, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said the Federal Bureau of Investigation had formally notified it that it would not receive “access to any information or evidence that it has collected” related to the shooting of Alex Pretti.
The agency described the refusal as “concerning and unprecedented,” but said it would continue its investigation.
“The BCA will present its findings without recommendation to the appropriate prosecutorial authorities for review,” it stated, adding that its work would proceed “even if hampered by a lack of access to key information and evidence.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized the federal government’s position, stating, “Minnesota needs impartial investigations into the shootings of American citizens on our streets,” and adding, “Trump’s left hand cannot investigate his right hand. The families of the deceased deserve better.”
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said her office has not received cooperation from federal authorities but is continuing its work. She noted that state prosecutors could pursue charges if sufficient evidence is obtained, regardless of federal involvement.
