Video Evidence Contradicts ICE Accounts in Multiple Shootings

Federal authorities investigate immigration officers' untruthful statements about incidents in Minneapolis and Chicago

Published on Feb. 17, 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 incident in Minneapolis last month. This is among at least five shootings in recent years where initial descriptions by immigration officials were later contradicted by video evidence, raising concerns about the accuracy of their accounts.

Why it matters

These incidents highlight growing concerns about the credibility of statements made by immigration enforcement officials, particularly when their accounts are challenged by video evidence. They also raise questions about the use of force and transparency around these types of encounters between law enforcement and civilians.

The details

The probe was launched after a federal judge dismissed felony assault charges against two Venezuelan men who were accused of attacking an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer with a broom handle and snow shovel in Minneapolis. Prosecutors said new video evidence contradicted the allegations made against the men. In several other cases, including the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, bystander videos quickly raised questions about the initial descriptions provided by immigration officials.

  • On January 14, 2026, an ICE officer shot Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in the thigh in Minneapolis.
  • On January 7, 2026, an ICE officer fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis.
  • On January 24, 2026, a Border Patrol agent fatally shot Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
  • On September 12, 2025, a federal agent fatally shot 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 who initially described incidents as 'attempted murder' and 'acts of domestic terrorism' against federal law enforcement.

Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis

A Venezuelan man who was shot in the thigh by an ICE officer in Minneapolis on January 14, 2026.

Renee Good

A woman who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026.

Alex Pretti

A man who was fatally shot by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026.

Silverio Villegas González

A man who was fatally shot by a federal agent in suburban Chicago on September 12, 2025.

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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 (afro.com)

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

— Charles Exum, FBI Agent (afro.com)

“It's clear from the video that he was retreating at every moment.”

— Rand Paul, U.S. Senator (afro.com)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security has announced an investigation into the untruthful statements made by the two immigration officers involved in the Minneapolis shooting incidents.

The takeaway

These cases raise serious concerns about the credibility of statements made by immigration enforcement officials and the need for greater transparency and accountability around the use of force in these types of encounters. The contradictions between the initial official accounts and the video evidence underscore the importance of independent oversight and the need to closely scrutinize claims made by law enforcement.