Defense Attorney: ICE Agent Acted in Perceived Danger During Minneapolis Highway Encounter

The defense attorney for an ICE agent charged with assault in a February highway incident told reporters that his client did not initiate the encounter and reacted to what he perceived as an aggressive threat from another driver.

Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr., of Temple Hills, Maryland, faces two counts of second-degree assault. According to the criminal complaint, Morgan, while driving an unmarked rental SUV on the shoulder of a Minneapolis highway, pointed a gun at another driver. The vehicle had no law enforcement markings.

Defense attorney Ryan, speaking at a press conference as Morgan prepared to post bond and appear in court, emphasized that his client was on duty at the time of the incident and continued working for several hours afterward. Ryan stated he plans to file a petition to remove the case to federal court.

“Morgan did not know what that other driver and that other vehicle occupants’ intention was when it swerved so aggressively at him,” Ryan said. “But it happened fast. It was alarming. And it was during an extraordinarily tense period in our Twin Cities metro area, both for citizens and law enforcement alike.”

Ryan described the broader context of Operation Metro Surge, noting heightened tensions, with some individuals tailing law enforcement vehicles, recording license plates, blowing whistles, and presenting verbal or physical threats. He said human beings under stress can perceive danger differently and make split-second decisions.

“Human beings under stress can perceive anger [or] danger differently and make split-second decisions in rapidly evolving situations,” Ryan stated. He added that while concerns from the incident are understood, people should not rush to strip away someone’s humanity before all evidence is presented.

Ryan highlighted Morgan’s background as an eight-year law enforcement officer with no criminal or disciplinary history. He described Morgan as a dedicated ICE agent whose duties often involve helping immigrants without serious criminal records stay in the United States, comparing aspects of the role to that of a probation officer.

“He is known as a good officer and he continues to be one,” Ryan said. He stressed that Morgan was ordered to Minnesota for the operation and was serving in his official capacity.

The attorney noted that Morgan has been cooperating with authorities, traveling from the East Coast to handle the process lawfully rather than facing arrest and extradition. Ryan expressed confidence that additional evidence, context, and full circumstances will support his client’s position, stating the public has so far heard only one side through the charging document.

“He understands the seriousness of these allegations and he understands the public concerns surrounding them,” Ryan said of Morgan. “There is much more to this story.”

Regarding the incident itself, Ryan said Morgan reported it to his supervisor immediately, contrary to implications in the complaint. He added that Morgan was surprised by the charges, having given a partial interview to a trooper the day after the event.

Morgan is scheduled to appear before Judge Scoggin for a first appearance. Ryan declined to discuss specific training details or have his client answer questions due to the active criminal case but affirmed that Morgan takes the matter seriously and meant no harm.

“We ask everyone, including commentators, activists, public officials, to allow this case to proceed through the judicial process calmly, responsibly, and based on all the evidence, not emotion or political narratives,” Ryan said.