Six federal prosecutors in Minnesota, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson, have resigned from the U.S. Department of Justice following internal disagreements over how the department is handling the investigation into a fatal shooting involving an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis.

The resignations occurred amid disputes with Justice Department leadership over investigative decisions related to the case. The prosecutors were part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota and included senior personnel with supervisory responsibilities.

The Shooting and Federal Response

The incident occurred in early January 2026, when an ICE officer fatally shot a woman during a law enforcement operation in Minneapolis. Federal authorities quickly assumed control of the investigation, with the FBI leading the review. State and local law enforcement agencies in Minnesota were not given access to key evidence during the initial stages of the inquiry.

The Justice Department determined that it would not open a criminal civil rights investigation into the shooting, stating that the available information did not meet the threshold for such a case. That decision marked a departure from how similar incidents involving law enforcement fatalities have sometimes been handled in the past.

Internal Dispute and Resignations

The six prosecutors, including Thompson, resigned after objecting to directions from Justice Department leadership regarding how the matter should proceed. Reports indicate the disagreement centered on the department’s refusal to pursue a civil rights investigation into the shooting while requesting that prosecutors examine other aspects related to the case.

The departures reflect rare and significant internal dissent within a U.S. attorney’s office, particularly involving prosecutors tasked with enforcing federal law and upholding departmental standards.

Broader Implications

The resignations have drawn attention from lawmakers and legal observers, who have raised concerns about transparency, accountability, and the role of federal oversight in cases involving deaths during immigration enforcement operations. The situation has also intensified debate over federal immigration policy and law enforcement practices under the current administration.

The Justice Department has not announced whether it plans to revisit its decision regarding a civil rights investigation. The FBI’s review of the shooting remains ongoing.

Sources: Star Tribune, MPR News, AP News, PBS NewsHour, Washington Post