Candidates for Hennepin County Attorney Outline Approaches to ICE Shooting Cases
- Rebecca Gilbuena
- 15 hours ago
- 4 min read
As pressure builds on Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty to decide whether to bring charges in the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, the candidates seeking to replace her are signaling how they would handle the cases if elected.
The two killings, involving federal immigration agents, have sparked widespread public scrutiny and raised questions about accountability, jurisdiction, and the role of local prosecutors in cases involving federal law enforcement.
In a January interview with Georgia Fort, Moriarty said her office will make a charging decision before her term ends at the end of the year.
“We feel confident that we will have enough information to make a decision, charge or not charge. I do not know what that decision will be,” Moriarty said.
After Charging, The Investigation Continues
Moriarty acknowledged the investigation itself will likely outlast her and that strategy, additional charges and the pace of the case would fall to the next county attorney.
“And so voters need to be very aware of voting for somebody that will continue on, in my mind, in the direction we’re going,” she said.
Four candidates—Cedrick Frazier, Anders Folk, Francis Shen and Hao Nguyen—were asked how they would proceed under two scenarios: if Moriarty files charges before leaving office and if she declines to do so.
Question: If Mary Moriarty reaches a decision to charge in either or both of these cases and the prosecution continues into your term if you are elected, would you commit to moving forward with those cases?
On the question of whether they would continue prosecutions initiated by Moriarty, the candidates expressed general openness.
Frazier gave the most forceful response, framing the cases as part of a broader need for accountability. He said he would move forward with prosecutions if evidence shows violations of Minnesota law.
“Our state cannot begin to heal without accountability for the irreparable harm our communities have faced as a result of the federal occupation. The families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti deserve justice, and we cannot stop with just those two cases,” said Frazier. “I believe that when federal agents have unlawfully entered homes or businesses, falsely imprisoned citizens, impersonated local law enforcement, intimidated witnesses, destroyed property, and assaulted people, those actions must be addressed in state court, where presidential pardons cannot shield accountability.”
Folk also indicated he would proceed with any cases already charged, emphasizing institutional continuity.
“If elected, I will enter the office assuming that all criminal cases have been appropriately investigated and charged and am committed to moving forward with each of those cases,” Folk said. “If new information comes in, some cases may involve additional charges or defendants or fewer charges or defendants. I am committed to following the facts wherever they lead.”
Shen said any prosecution should depend on whether a full and fair investigation yields sufficient evidence.
“And where that investigation produces sufficient evidence to warrant prosecution, the County Attorney’s office should prosecute to the fullest extent possible,” Shen said.
Nguyen said, “I am committed to the full investigation and prosecution of federal agents to the extent allowed by the law and professional ethics, no matter how long it takes.”
Question: If Moriarty decides not to charge the agents involved, would you stand by that decision or review it once in office?
The candidates showed more divergence when asked how they would handle a decision by Moriarty not to bring charges.
Frazier voiced confidence in the current investigative process but left the door open to future action. He noted that there is no statute of limitations for murder and said his office would reassess if new evidence emerges, particularly if federal cooperation changes.
Folk said he would conduct an independent review of any decision not to charge, citing both the high-profile nature of the cases and his experience with investigations involving law enforcement. He added that he would also consider input from career attorneys who believe additional review is warranted.
Shen declined to commit to either approach, saying he could not speculate without knowing the specific evidence and potential charges involved.
Nguyen indicated he would review such decisions on a case-by-case basis.
Note: A fifth Hennepin County Attorney Office candidate, Diane Krenz, did not respond to our interview questions.
An Investigation With No Federal Cooperation
Both Good and Pretti were shot and killed during federal immigration enforcement operations. Their deaths sparked protests, legal challenges and growing demands for transparency. But in an unprecedented move, the federal government blocked the state from properly investigating the scenes and refuses to share their evidence from the scene.
Moriarty's office continued their own investigation in partnership with Minnesota Attorney General's office. They used an online portal to collect evidence from the community and interviewed witnesses. The office is still awaiting autopsy reports, which Moriarty says will provide very important information.
Hennepin County Attorney Forum
This is a hybrid event, hosted by the Minneapolis Area Chapter of the DFL Senior Caucus. All registrants will receive a link to participate via Zoom and may choose whether to attend in person or to observe remotely. Click here to register.
When: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Where: Sabathani Community Center, 310 E 38th St, Minneapolis *Or via Zoom
Time: 6:30–8:30 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm)