DOJ Moves to Drop Charges Against Men Arrested After North Minneapolis ICE Shooting

Federal prosecutors cite "newly discovered evidence" that is "materially inconsistent" with initial allegations.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Federal prosecutors have moved to drop criminal charges against two Venezuelan men, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis and Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna, whose arrests in north Minneapolis last month have been disputed after conflicting accounts emerged from Homeland Security officials and defense attorneys. The U.S. Attorney's Office said the "newly discovered evidence" is "materially inconsistent" with the initial allegations.

Why it matters

The case has raised questions about the use of force by immigration authorities and the treatment of immigrant families. The dismissal of charges with prejudice is an unusual move that suggests significant issues with the government's original case.

The details

The incident began with an attempted traffic stop on Interstate 94 that ended with an unidentified U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent shooting Sosa-Celis, who was not the original target. Conflicting accounts emerged about the events leading up to the arrests of Sosa-Celis and Aljorna, with the men's families and lawyers disputing the Department of Homeland Security's claims that the agent fired a defensive shot after being attacked with a snow shovel and broom.

  • The incident occurred on January 14, 2026.
  • On February 12, 2026, federal prosecutors moved to drop the charges against Sosa-Celis and Aljorna.

The players

Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis

One of the two Venezuelan men whose charges are being dropped.

Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna

The other Venezuelan man whose charges are being dropped.

Frederick Goetz

Aljorna's attorney, who called the request to drop the charges with prejudice "exceedingly rare" and commended the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Brian Clark

The attorney representing Sosa-Celis, who said the family is "overjoyed" and called for the identity of the ICE agent involved to be released, as well as criminal charges.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency involved in the incident that led to the arrests of Sosa-Celis and Aljorna.

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What they’re saying

“The charges against them were based on lies by an ICE agent who recklessly shot into their home through a closed door. They are so happy justice is being served by the government's request to dismiss all charges with prejudice.”

— Brian Clark, Attorney representing Sosa-Celis (Minnesota Star Tribune)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.