MINNEAPOLIS — Federal law enforcement officials have opened a criminal investigation into whether two Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers provided false testimony under oath about a January shooting that injured a Venezuelan immigrant in north Minneapolis. The decision comes after video and other evidence challenged the officers’ original account, prompting a federal judge to dismiss related criminal charges and raising broader questions about federal immigration enforcement practices.
Federal Inquiry After Contradictory Video Evidence
In a rare move, ICE and Justice Department officials announced a joint probe into the conduct of two unnamed immigration officers who are now on administrative leave. A review of body camera and surveillance footage showed discrepancies between their sworn courtroom statements and what actually occurred during a January 14 encounter that left Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the thigh. Prosecutors in Minnesota recently asked a federal judge to dismiss all charges against Sosa-Celis and co-defendant Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna after acknowledging the newly revealed evidence did not support earlier claims that the men violently attacked an officer.
Officials have emphasized that lying under oath is a serious offense that could lead to criminal charges or termination of employment if the investigation confirms intentional falsehoods. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons confirmed the investigation, underscoring the need for integrity in sworn testimony.
Conflicting Narratives and Legal Fallout
The federal government’s initial narrative described the incident as an assault on immigration officers during an enforcement action. But surveillance video and eyewitness statements failed to corroborate key elements of that story, undermining the prosecution’s case. As a result, a U.S. District Court judge dismissed the charges with prejudice, preventing prosecutors from refiling the counts against the two Venezuelan men. Defense attorneys praised the dismissal, arguing the video evidence contradicts claims the men attacked officers.
The Minneapolis shooting is part of a series of controversial federal enforcement encounters where official accounts clashed with footage or witness testimonies, prompting public scrutiny of immigration operations and calls for greater accountability.
Calls for Transparency and Next Steps
Civil rights advocates and local leaders have criticized federal immigration enforcement for a perceived lack of transparency, particularly after high-profile incidents that drew national attention. The current investigation could lead to disciplinary actions, criminal charges, or policy changes within ICE. As the probe continues, community organizers and legal experts are urging officials to release more information and ensure independent oversight of law enforcement testimony and conduct.
