Federal Probe Launched as ICE Officers Questioned Over Minneapolis Shooting
Federal authorities have opened a criminal investigation into whether two Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers provided false testimony regarding a shooting in Minneapolis last month, a development that led to the dismissal of charges against two Venezuelan men. The probe was announced Friday by Todd Lyons, the acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director.
Lyons stated that a review of video evidence, conducted jointly with the Department of Justice, “has revealed that sworn testimony provided by two separate officers appears to have made untruthful statements.” Both officers have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation proceeds, and the U.S. Attorney’s office is actively examining the potential for criminal prosecution. “Upon conclusion of the investigation, the officers may face termination of employment, as well as potential criminal prosecution,” Lyons said.
The announcement followed a decision by the Justice Department to drop felony assault charges against Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, the man shot in the leg, and Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna, who was accused of assaulting a federal officer during the January 14th incident. U.S. District Court Judge Paul A. Magnuson dismissed the charges at the request of Daniel Rosen, the top federal prosecutor in Minnesota, who cited “newly discovered evidence” that was “materially inconsistent with the allegations.” Rosen sought a dismissal with prejudice, preventing the charges from being refiled.
The initial account from the Department of Homeland Security described a scenario in which an ICE officer shot a man in the leg after being attacked with a shovel and broom handle by three migrants following a car chase. However, the video evidence now under scrutiny appears to contradict that narrative.
According to Lyons, lying under oath constitutes a serious federal offense. He emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct within ICE. “Violations of this sacred sworn oath will not be tolerated,” he stated. “ICE remains fully committed to transparency, accountability, and the fair enforcement of our nation’s immigration laws.”
The incident has sparked controversy and fueled criticism of ICE’s immigration enforcement tactics in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The agency has faced significant pushback, including protests from residents and students, during a recent surge in enforcement activity. Two U.S. Citizens have been killed during this surge, adding to the concerns surrounding ICE’s operations.
The increased enforcement efforts were part of a broader strategy initiated during the Trump administration. However, Tom Homan, President Trump’s former border czar, indicated earlier this week that the surge in Minneapolis would be winding down.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the Department of Justice and ICE continue their review of the evidence. The outcome of the probe could have significant implications for the officers involved and for the future of ICE’s enforcement practices.
