Federal Authorities Launch Criminal Probe into ICE Agents' Conduct in Minneapolis Shooting
Federal authorities have initiated a criminal investigation to determine whether two Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents provided false testimony under oath regarding a shooting incident that occurred in Minneapolis last January. This development comes as all charges have been dismissed against two Venezuelan men who were previously accused in the case.
Investigation Reveals Inconsistencies in Sworn Testimony
ICE Director Todd Lyons announced on Friday that his agency, in collaboration with the Department of Justice, has opened a joint investigation after video evidence emerged that contradicted sworn statements made by two separate officers. The officers, whose identities have not been disclosed, are currently on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Lyons emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that lying under oath constitutes a serious federal offense. He confirmed that the U.S. Attorney's Office is actively investigating the matter, and the officers could potentially face termination and criminal prosecution.
"Lying under oath is a serious federal offense," Lyons stated. "The men and women of ICE are entrusted with upholding the rule of law and are held to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct. Violations of this sacred sworn oath will not be tolerated."
Charges Dismissed Against Venezuelan Men
Earlier on Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Paul A. Magnuson dismissed felony assault charges against Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis. The two men had been accused of assaulting an ICE officer with a broom handle and a snow shovel during an altercation in January, during which the officer fired a single shot, striking Sosa-Celis in the right thigh.
The charges were dropped following a highly unusual motion to dismiss filed by U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, Daniel N. Rosen. Rosen cited "newly discovered evidence" that was "materially inconsistent with the allegations" presented in the criminal complaint and during a hearing last month.
Legal Representation Expresses Relief
Brian D. Clark, the immigration attorney representing Aljorna and Sosa-Celis, expressed that his clients are "overjoyed" by the dismissal of all charges. Clark asserted that the charges were based on false statements by an ICE agent who recklessly fired a shot into their home through a closed door. Had the men been convicted, they would have faced years in federal prison.
Robin M. Wolpert, a defense attorney for Sosa-Celis, welcomed the public acknowledgment and investigation into the untruthful statements by the ICE officers. She highlighted the severe consequences these statements had for her client and his family, emphasizing that Sosa-Celis is a victim of crime.
Background of the Incident and Political Reactions
According to a now-discredited court affidavit, ICE officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Aljorna on January 14. After crashing the vehicle, Aljorna fled on foot toward his apartment duplex, where an immigration officer pursued him. The government alleged that Aljorna violently resisted arrest, leading to an altercation during which Sosa-Celis and another man allegedly attacked the officer with a snow shovel and broom handle. The officer then fired his handgun, striking Sosa-Celis.
Following the shooting, Kristi Noem criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, accusing Democrats of encouraging assaults on law enforcement. Noem described the incident as an "attempted murder of federal law enforcement" and claimed the officer was ambushed and attacked. The Department of Homeland Security has not responded to inquiries about whether Noem stands by these statements, which ICE now admits were false.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Scrutiny
This case is part of a series of high-profile shootings involving federal immigration agents where eyewitness accounts and video evidence have challenged justifications for the use of deadly force. Additionally, numerous felony cases against protesters accused of assaulting or impeding federal officers have similarly collapsed.
It remains uncertain whether Aljorna and Sosa-Celis could still face deportation proceedings. The investigation underscores ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability within federal immigration enforcement agencies.
