Paul Blume
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Articles by Paul Blume
ICE agent breaks down in court over Operation Metro Surge, Hwy. 62 assault case
ICE agent Gregory Morgan Jr. testified Tuesday regarding a February encounter on Highway 62 in Minneapolis, where he is accused of pointing a gun at another driver. Morgan stated he feared an ambush and was making a tactical withdrawal due to the tense atmosphere of Operation Metro Surge, while state prosecutors argue the incident was straightforward road rage. FOX 9 Investigator Paul Blume has more.
ICE agent breaks down in court over Operation Metro Surge, Hwy. 62 assault case
ICE agent Gregory Morgan Jr. testified Tuesday at a court hearing in his felony assault case stemming from an encounter on Highway 62 in February. telling a federal judge he feared an ambush and drew his gun to back people off. • ICE agent Gregory Morgan Jr. testified Tuesday at a court hearing in his felony assault case stemming from an encounter on Highway 62 in February. • Morgan told a federal judge he feared an ambush on the freeway and drew his gun to back people off.
Federal judge to decide jurisdiction in ICE agent's highway assault case
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A federal judge will hear arguments to determine whether an assault case against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Gregory Morgan Jr. belongs in state or federal court on Friday afternoon. The incident unfolded on the Twin Cities’ Crosstown freeway interchange during the evening rush on Feb. 5 at the height of Operation Metro Surge.
Federal judge to decide jurisdiction in ICE agent's highway assault case
An evidentiary hearing in U.S. District Court will determine whether the assault case against ICE agent Gregory Morgan Jr. remains in Hennepin Co. or moves to federal court. State prosecutors are fighting the transfer, arguing the incident was a straightforward case of road rage, disconnected from Morgan's official federal duties.
Minneapolis mayor pushes 70% cut to violence interrupters following critical audit
Inside the Proposed Cuts During a City Council budget presentation on Tuesday, Neighborhood Safety Director Amanda Harrington confirmed Mayor Jacob Frey's plan to slash spending on the Violence Interrupter program by 71%. The proposed cuts would reduce the program's coverage from five city hot spots down to just two.
Minneapolis mayor pushes 70% cut to violence interrupters following critical audit
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is proposing to slash the city's street-level Violence Interrupter program by more than 70%, reducing coverage from five hot spots down to two. • The proposed cuts follow an internal city audit that found the Neighborhood Safety Department failed to properly oversee millions of dollars in violence prevention funding, increasing the risk of fraud and waste.
Minneapolis violence prevention funding in question after critical audit
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Millions of taxpayer dollars spent on violence prevention efforts in Minneapolis are under the microscope after a critical internal audit revealed the city's Neighborhood Safety Department failed to properly oversee its contracts. Minneapolis violence prevention audit The audit corroborates previous findings from the FOX 9 Investigators that revealed significant flaws in how the department monitored violence interruption work.
Minneapolis violence prevention funding in question after critical audit
An internal city audit found Minneapolis failed to properly oversee millions of dollars in violence prevention contracts, increasing the risk of fraud and waste. The audit corroborates previous findings by the FOX 9 Investigators which revealed flaws in how violence prevention work was monitored. Mayor Jacob Frey is proposing to slash the Violence Interrupter budget in half due to compliance tracking issues, a move facing pushback from some city council members.
Minneapolis violence prevention funding in question after critical audit
An internal city audit found Minneapolis failed to properly oversee millions of dollars in violence prevention contracts, increasing the risk of fraud and waste. • The audit corroborates previous findings by the FOX 9 Investigators which revealed flaws in how violence prevention work was monitored. • Mayor Jacob Frey is proposing to slash the Violence Interrupter budget in half due to compliance tracking issues, a move facing pushback from some city council members.
Minneapolis ICE shootings: Where the criminal investigations stand
Renee Good's family attorney, Antonio Romanucci, broke down three images from the deadly ICE shooting and explained how he says Agent Jonathan Ross violated DHS use-of-force policies. Romanucci also disputed claims that Ross was in the path of Good's vehicle when shots were fired. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - During Operation Metro Surge in January, immigration enforcement agents shot three people on the streets of Minneapolis. Two of those shootings were fatal. Here's where each case stands.
Alleged Medicaid Fraudster who initially fled country, released from federal custody
Kaamil Omar Sallah pleaded not guilty to four counts of wire fraud in a federal case involving Minnesota's Housing Stabilization Services program. Prosecutors allege Sallah and his coconspirators fraudulently claimed about $1.4 million in program funds through fake and inflated billing.
Alleged Medicaid Fraudster who initially fled country, released from federal custody
Kaamil Omar Sallah, 27, pleaded not guilty in federal court to charges he defrauded Minnesota's Housing Stabilization Services Program out of nearly $1.3 million. • A judge released Sallah from custody on GPS monitoring and strict home confinement after prosecutors did not seek to keep him detained. • Sallah had initially fled to Amsterdam after learning he was under investigation and then voluntarily returned to Minnesota last week.
'Run for your life': Former White House staffer from Minnesota reflects on 25th anniversary of 9/11
(FOX 9) - A White House staffer on the morning the world changed — and the Minnesotan who lived it is still carrying that day with him 25 years later. Three days before 9/11 Tim Stout's connection to that day goes back even further than the morning itself. Just three days before Sept. 11, he was standing at the top of the World Trade Center at Windows on the World with a friend. "I distinctly remember wrapping on the glass, and it felt like bank teller glass.
'Run for your life': Former White House staffer from Minnesota reflects on 25th anniversary of 9/11
A Minnesotan who was working in the White House on Sept. 11, 2001, recalls being ordered to "run for your life" by a Secret Service agent as Flight 93 was believed to be heading toward Washington. • Tim Stout, the long-time Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Chief of Staff, had visited the top of the World Trade Center just three days before the attacks. • Stout later helped build the Department of Homeland Security from the ground up following the attacks.
Medicaid fraudster’s corporate bank account off limits, judge rules
Ahmed Nur pleaded guilty last year to two counts of aiding and abetting theft by swindle in a nearly $10 million Medicaid fraud scheme. He was sentenced to 180 days in the Hennepin County Workhouse and, along with nearly a dozen co-defendants, ordered to pay back more than $2.3 million in restitution.
Medicaid fraudster’s corporate bank account off limits, judge rules
Ahmed Nur pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting theft by swindle in a nearly $10 million personal care assistant Medicaid fraud scheme. Nur and his co-defendants were ordered to pay back more than $2.3 million in restitution. Prosecutors successfully seized $1.2M from Nur's personal bank account, but a Hennepin Co. judge has blocked authorities from going after $650,000 in a corporate checking account belonging to Nur's Interpreter services company where is the sole shareholder and CEO.
Medicaid fraudster’s corporate bank account off limits, judge rules
Ahmed Nur pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting theft by swindle in a nearly $10 million personal care assistant Medicaid fraud scheme. • Nur and his co-defendants were ordered to pay back more than $2.3 million in restitution. • Prosecutors successfully seized $1.2M from Nur's personal bank account, but a Hennepin Co. judge has blocked authorities from going after $650,000 in a corporate checking account belonging to Nur’s Interpreter services company where is the sole shareholder and CEO.
UCare's role in Minnesota Medicaid fraud: What the insurer knew and when
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - UCare, once the state's largest Medicaid insurer, repeatedly approved the same billing practices that resulted in massive criminal investigations into Medicaid fraud, according to court records and evidence reviewed by the FOX 9 Investigators. ‘UCare paid every claim’ John Hamer is a criminal defense attorney representing several defendants currently charged with Medicaid fraud. "UCare paid every claim," Hamer argued in a court filing this summer.
UCare's role in Minnesota Medicaid fraud: What the insurer knew and when
UCare continuously paid millions in fraudulent claims over several years despite internal warnings and investigations, according to recent court filings and evidence reviewed by the FOX 9 Investigators. • Ongoing criminal cases raise more questions about how the giant Medicaid provider responded to suspected fraud before its stunning collapse late last year.
Minneapolis mass shooting: Shooter's violent past includes numerous threats with firearm
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The man who opened fire inside a downtown apartment complex Wednesday night, killing two people, previously threatened to shoot and kill numerous others, including neighbors, family and the mother of one of his children, according to court records obtained by the FOX 9 Investigators. Carlton Johnson II, 35, was also facing eviction after he was accused of threatening staff with a gun at Shoreline Plaza, formerly known as Loring Towers, earlier this year.
Feeding our Future fraudster heading to prison for turning child nutrition funds into personal business
Two more people are being sentenced for their roles in the Feeding our Future fraud that stole more than $250 million in pandemic-era federal funds from programs meant to feed children. FOX 9’s Paul Blume has the latest. Feeding our Future sentencing Ahmed and his co-conspirators created ASA Limited LLC, a shell company that received approximately $5 million in fraudulent Federal Child Nutrition Program funds intended to serve needy children.
ICE shootings: Where do Minnesota’s criminal investigations stand?
Time is running out in a dispute between Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott regarding the extradition of an ICE agent accused of shooting a man in the leg and then lying about it. FOX 9's Paul Blume has the latest details and spoke with All Day's Courtney Godfrey about what comes next.
ICE shootings: Where do Minnesota’s criminal investigations stand?
The attorney for Alex Pretti's family says the federal government is still blocking the state investigation into the deadly shooting of their son by federal agents during Operation Metro Surge. Minnesota sued Texas this week to force the extradition of another ICE agent accused of shooting a man in the leg last January and then lying about it.
Clock is ticking on ICE agent's extradition from Texas
A U.S. District Court judge has fast-tracked an emergency hearing ahead of an August 27 deadline to prevent Castro's release, as prosecutors warn his strong ties to Mexico make him a flight risk. Countdown to release Time is rapidly running out in a multi-state legal showdown. Minnesota officials have filed a lawsuit against Texas Governor Greg Abbott in federal court, alleging he is deliberately stalling the extradition of an ICE agent facing serious felony charges in Minneapolis.
Clock is ticking on ICE agent's extradition from Texas
The state of Minnesota is suing Texas Governor Greg Abbott in federal court for stalling the extradition of ICE Agent Christian Castro. Castro has been held in a Texas border town jail for nearly 90 days. If Gov. Greg Abbott does not sign the warrant, Castro could be released as soon as Thursday, August 27. Minnesota prosecutors warn that Castro is a flight risk who has strong ties to Mexico. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Minnesota is suing Texas Gov.
Trump administration won appeal for mandatory detention, but ICE keeps losing
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The split decision by three Republican-appointed judges earlier this year appeared to make it harder for immigrants to challenge their mandatory detention, meaning they could be held without bond while awaiting their deportation. Federal court ruling shakes up immigration detention An appellate ruling earlier this year appeared to give U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Trump administration a major boost in its mass deportation campaign.
Feds threaten Hennepin County Sheriff with prosecution over jail's ICE detainer policy
Federal subpoenas, jail immigration policy at the center Hennepin Co. Sheriff Dawanna Witt says she has received subpoenas from federal authorities demanding the jail detain certain inmates whose immigration status is in question. The subpoenas warn that not complying could be considered tampering with a witness and could result in fines or jail time if convicted. Witt says the jail’s policy has not changed.
DHS must pay immigration attorney fees for unjustified ICE arrests
The federal government is now responsible for paying tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees for immigrants found to be wrongfully detained by ICE. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The federal government is now responsible for paying tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees for immigrants found to be wrongfully detained by ICE.
DHS must pay immigration attorney fees for unjustified ICE arrests
Federal judges ruled the government must pay legal fees for immigrants wrongfully detained during Operation Metro Surge. The FOX 9 Investigators found the federal government has been ordered to pay more than $106,000 to immigration attorneys and their clients in at least 18 cases. Minnesota's U.S. Attorney's Office has argued against paying many of these fees but have been denied by federal judges.
Shot in the line of duty: St. Peter officer’s nonprofit is helping his own department heal
ST. PETER, Minn. (FOX 9) - A St. Peter police officer is sharing his story of survival after being ambushed and shot in the line of duty. His nonprofit is now helping his own department heal. Officer recounts shooting and recovery journey Officer Austin Buss was shot in the arm and chest while pursuing a suspect who had fled to the second floor of a St. Peter home on June 18. "I am thankful, right? I shouldn't be here. And for some reason, God kept me here.
Shot in the line of duty: St. Peter officer’s nonprofit is helping his own department heal
Shot in the line of duty: St. Peter officer’s nonprofit is helping his own department heal The Brief Officer Austin Buss was shot multiple times while pursuing an armed suspect in Saint Peter last month. The police department is now leaning on Buss' own non-profit to help process the traumatic events. Prior to the shooting, Buss had founded The Brothers in Law which facilitates sauna and cold plunge therapy for first responders who want to focus on their mental health and wellness. ST. PETER, Minn.
Shot in the line of duty: St. Peter officer’s nonprofit is helping his own department heal
Officer Austin Buss was shot multiple times while pursuing an armed suspect in Saint Peter last month. The police department is now leaning on Buss' own non-profit to help process the traumatic events. Prior to the shooting, Buss had founded The Brothers in Law which facilitates sauna and cold plunge therapy for first responders who want to focus on their mental health and wellness. ST. PETER, Minn.
Hope lost: Minnesota AG closes unit that freed wrongfully convicted prisoners Original
Minnesota Attorney General’s Office ends wrongful conviction reviews The Attorney General’s Office is closing its Conviction Review Unit (CRU), which has been responsible for investigating claims of wrongful conviction. The move comes after a loss of federal funding that state officials blame on the Trump administration pulling a half-million-dollar grant.
Minnesota AG shuts down wrongful conviction unit after Trump administration pulls federal funding
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office is suspending its Conviction Review Unit (CRU) after losing federal grant funding, with Attorney General Keith Ellison expressing disappointment over the decision. "Current budget constraints do not allow the program’s costs to be absorbed without compromising other core responsibilities," Ellison told the FOX 9 Investigators on Wednesday.
Minnesota AG shuts down wrongful conviction unit after Trump administration pulls federal funding
Follow Minnesota AG shuts down wrongful conviction unit after Trump administration pulls federal funding Minnesota AG shuts down wrongful conviction unit after Trump administration pulls federal funding The Minnesota Attorney General's Office is suspending its Conviction Review Unit due to loss of federal funding. The office is blaming the shutdown on the Trump Administration's denial to renew the grant supporting the program.
Minnesota fraudster ordered to pay $2.5M for child food program scheme
The Brief A Minnesota man was ordered to pay nearly $2.5 million in damages and civil penalties for submitting more than 90,000 false claims to a food program for children during the pandemic. The fraud involved bogus reimbursements totaling nearly $200,000 in 2021. According to FOX 9 Investigators analysis, the state has struggled to recover restitution in similar cases, with less than 18% of ordered payments collected since 2020. ST. PAUL, Minn.
Minnesota fraudster ordered to pay $2.5M for child food program scheme
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - A Minnesota man has been ordered to pay millions after a jury found he defrauded a federal food program meant to help hungry children during the pandemic. State secures major civil penalty in food program fraud A jury found that Emaldeldin Ibrahim submitted more than 90,000 false claims totaling $188,351 in bogus reimbursements over three months in 2021. The money was intended for meals and snacks for hungry children.
Hennepin Co. paramedics vote no confidence in EMS chief over staffing concerns Original
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Hennepin County’s paramedics and EMTs are demanding new leadership after an overwhelming vote of no confidence in their department chief. The vote comes after the FOX 9 Investigators exposed chronic staffing shortages that have stressed and demoralized the rank-and-file emergency responders.
Minnesota Medicaid fraudster off probation despite owing $1.7M in restitution
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A recent FOX 9 investigation found that Medicaid fraudsters owe millions but pay back little, with several other defendants discharged from probation after making either minimal or no payments towards their court-imposed debts. Medicaid fraudster discharged from probation with unpaid debt Tommie Johnson, Sr., who pleaded guilty in 2023 to stealing Medicaid funds through a sprawling personal care assistance scheme, is no longer on probation.
Minnesota Medicaid fraudster off probation despite owing $1.7M in restitution Original
Minnesota Medicaid fraudster off probation despite owing $1.7M in restitution The Brief A man convicted of stealing Medicaid money in Minnesota is no longer on probation, even though he still owes nearly $1.7 million in restitution. Records show he made only minimum monthly payments, and authorities say it is unlikely he will ever pay back the full amount. The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office wants stronger laws to help the state recover more stolen Medicaid funds.
Medicaid fraudster wants to shield bank account from prosecutors Original
Ahmed Nur pleaded guilty last year to two counts of aiding and abetting theft by swindle in a nearly $10 million Medicaid fraud scheme. He was sentenced to 180 days in the Hennepin County Workhouse and, along with nearly a dozen co-defendants, ordered to pay back more than $2.3 million in restitution. ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - A convicted fraudster is fighting to keep more than half-a-million dollars in a business account off limits as Minnesota tries to recover stolen Medicaid funds.
Minnesota wrongful conviction: Marvin Haynes one step closer to $4.5M after 20 years in prison
The Brief State lawmakers unanimously approved a $4.5 million compensation payment for Marvin Haynes, who spent nearly 20 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. Haynes was wrongfully convicted as a teenager in a 2004 Minneapolis flower shop killing and later exonerated. The payment still needs approval from the state Senate, and Haynes has a separate federal lawsuit pending.
Minnesota wrongful conviction: Marvin Haynes one step closer to $4.5M after 20 years in prison
House lawmakers approve payment for Marvin Haynes Minnesota House lawmakers voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve a $4.5 million payment for Marvin Haynes, who was wrongfully convicted as a teenager and spent almost 20 years in prison for a 2004 Minneapolis flower shop murder he did not commit. The compensation package is outlined in state law for $50,000 per year and is meant to account for every year that a wrongfully incarcerated person is kept locked up behind bars.
How did ICE operations impact federal courts? Read what the chief judge said.
During an interview with FOX 9 Investigator Paul Blume, Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz details the unprecedented strain placed on Minnesota’s federal courts during the months-long immigration enforcement of Operation Metro Surge. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - You can read a portion of Schiltz’s interview with FOX 9 Investigator Paul Blume below. The transcript has been slightly edited for grammar, clarity and brevity.
How did ICE operations impact federal courts? Read what the chief judge said.
The Brief In his first interview since Operation Metro Surge, Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz detailed the unprecedented strain placed on Minnesota’s federal courts during the enhanced, months-long immigration enforcement operation. Judicial ethics prevent Schiltz from commenting on specific cases, policies or the Trump Administration.
After ICE 'overwhelmed' federal courts, Chief Judge reflects on emotional toll Original
The emotional and legal toll on Minnesota’s federal judges In a rare interview with the FOX 9 Investigators, Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz detailed the unprecedented wave of lawsuits from detained immigrants filed against the federal government during Operation Metro Surge. "We were all just overwhelmed with the number of cases," Schiltz said. Schiltz explained that habeas petitions from immigrants challenging their arrests and detention poured in at all hours, and the urgency was constant.
Hennepin Co. paramedics warn ‘chronic’ under-staffing creating crisis
Records show Hennepin County paramedics are consistently operating below staffing minimums as emergency call volumes increase, leading to union concerns about mental health and burnout. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Records show Hennepin County paramedics are consistently operating below staffing minimums as emergency call volumes increase, leading to union concerns about mental health and burnout.
Hennepin Co. paramedics warn ‘chronic’ under-staffing creating crisis
The Brief Hennepin County paramedics say chronic under-staffing is putting strain on emergency services and their mental health. Union survey results show more than half of the staff are considering leaving the profession due to high stress levels. County leaders acknowledge challenges but say response times remain steady and staffing will improve soon.
Hennepin Co. paramedics warn ‘chronic’ under-staffing creating crisis
The Brief Hennepin County paramedics say chronic under-staffing is putting strain on emergency services and their mental health. Union survey results show more than half of the staff are considering leaving the profession due to high stress levels. County leaders acknowledge challenges but say response times remain steady and staffing will improve soon.
Trump administration can hold ICE detainees without bond, appellate court rules
The Brief Federal judges in Minnesota repeatedly ruled in favor of ICE detainees who argued they were being wrongfully held without bond. The Trump Administration appealed to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals arguing it has the authority to hold immigrants in the country illegally without bond regardless of where they were detained and how long they had already been living in the United States.
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