Video Evidence Contradicts ICE Accounts in Multiple Shootings

Federal authorities announce investigation into immigration officers over untruthful statements about Minneapolis shooting

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Federal authorities have announced an investigation into two immigration officers who appeared to have made untruthful statements under oath about a shooting in Minneapolis last month. This is among at least five shootings in which initial descriptions by immigration officials were later contradicted by video evidence, including the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Why it matters

These incidents raise serious concerns about the credibility of accounts provided by immigration enforcement officials and the need for greater transparency and accountability around the use of force by federal agents.

The details

In the Minneapolis shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem initially claimed the immigration officer was 'ambushed' and fired a 'defensive shot.' However, video evidence contradicted the officer's account, and charges against the Venezuelan men were later dismissed. Similar discrepancies between official accounts and video evidence have emerged in other shootings, including the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

  • On January 14, 2026, an immigration officer shot Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in Minneapolis.
  • On January 7, 2026, an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis.
  • On January 24, 2026, a Border Patrol officer shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
  • On September 12, 2025, federal agents shot and killed Silverio Villegas González in suburban Chicago.
  • On October 14, 2025, a Border Patrol officer shot Marimar Martinez seven times in Chicago.

The players

Kristi Noem

Homeland Security Secretary.

Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis

A Venezuelan man who was shot by an immigration officer in Minneapolis.

Renee Good

A woman who was fatally shot by an immigration officer in Minneapolis.

Alex Pretti

A man who was fatally shot by a Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis.

Silverio Villegas González

A man who was fatally shot by federal agents in suburban Chicago.

Marimar Martinez

A woman who was shot seven times by a Border Patrol officer in Chicago.

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What they’re saying

“What we saw last night in Minneapolis was an attempted murder of federal law enforcement.”

— Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary (Boston.com)

“I fired 5 rounds and she had 7 holes. Put that in your book boys.”

— Charles Exum, FBI Agent (Boston.com)

“Pretti posed no threat to the agents and it was clear from the video that he was 'retreating at every moment.'”

— Rand Paul, U.S. Senator (Boston.com)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security has announced an investigation into the two immigration officers who made untruthful statements about the Minneapolis shooting.

The takeaway

These incidents highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability around the use of force by federal immigration enforcement agents, as video evidence has repeatedly contradicted the initial accounts provided by officials.