Feds Investigating Alleged Lies by ICE Officers in Minneapolis Shooting

Criminal probe launched after video evidence contradicts officers' sworn testimony about shooting of Venezuelan man

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Federal authorities have opened a criminal investigation into whether two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers lied under oath about a shooting incident in Minneapolis last month. The charges against two Venezuelan men involved in the incident were dismissed after new evidence emerged that contradicted the officers' accounts. The ICE officers have been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation, which could lead to their termination and potential criminal prosecution.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the credibility and accountability of federal immigration enforcement officers, particularly in incidents involving the use of force. The dismissal of charges against the Venezuelan men based on contradictory evidence raises questions about the truthfulness of ICE agents' sworn statements and the need for greater transparency and oversight of such encounters.

The details

According to court documents, ICE officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop in Minneapolis on January 14th, leading to a foot chase and confrontation with two Venezuelan men, Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis. An ICE officer shot Sosa-Celis in the leg, but video evidence and witness testimony contradicted the officer's account that the men had attacked him with a snow shovel and broom. The U.S. Attorney's office subsequently moved to dismiss all charges against the men, citing 'newly discovered evidence' that was 'materially inconsistent' with the original allegations.

  • On January 14, ICE officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop in Minneapolis that led to a confrontation.
  • On January 21, testimony from the ICE officer differed significantly from that of the defendants and eyewitnesses during a court hearing.
  • On February 13, federal authorities opened a criminal probe into whether the ICE officers lied under oath about the shooting incident.

The players

Todd Lyons

The Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Daniel N. Rosen

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota who filed the motion to dismiss charges against the Venezuelan men.

Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna

One of the two Venezuelan men charged in the incident who had the charges against him dismissed.

Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis

The other Venezuelan man charged in the incident who was shot in the leg by an ICE officer and had the charges against him dismissed.

Brian D. Clark

The attorney representing Aljorna and Sosa-Celis, who said his clients are "overjoyed" the charges were dismissed.

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What they’re saying

“Lying under oath is a serious federal offense.”

— Todd Lyons, ICE Director

“The charges against them were based on lies by an ICE agent who recklessly shot into their home through a closed door.”

— Brian D. Clark, Attorney for Aljorna and Sosa-Celis

What’s next

The U.S. Attorney's office and the Justice Department are continuing their criminal investigation into whether the two ICE officers provided false testimony about the shooting incident. The officers have been placed on administrative leave, and could face termination and potential criminal prosecution if the investigation finds they lied under oath.

The takeaway

This case raises serious concerns about the credibility and accountability of federal immigration enforcement officers, particularly in the use of force. The dismissal of charges against the Venezuelan men based on contradictory evidence highlights the need for greater transparency, oversight, and consequences when officers are found to have provided false information in sworn testimony.