Minneapolis – Federal immigration enforcement officer Officer Daniel R. Hargrove (41) entered a Hennepin County courtroom on Tuesday, pleading not guilty to second‑degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and unlawful discharge of a firearm. The charges stem from a June 2023 incident in which Hargrove shot 28‑year‑old Venezuelan national Carlos Méndez during a routine immigration checkpoint at a Minneapolis apartment complex. Video released by the defense shows Méndez reaching for a wallet as officers approached, prompting Hargrove to fire his service weapon. Prosecutors argue the use of deadly force was excessive and violated department policy. The case has drawn attention from civil‑rights groups, who demand greater oversight of ICE operations and call for federal reform. The trial is set for November 2026, with a pre‑trial hearing scheduled for October.
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