Feds Open Perjury Probe Into ICE Officers' Testimony About Shooting

Charges dropped against two Venezuelan men after video evidence contradicts officers' sworn statements

Feb. 13, 2026 at 9:39pm

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Federal authorities have opened a criminal probe into whether two immigration officers lied under oath about a shooting incident in Minneapolis last month. All charges were dropped against two Venezuelan men after video evidence revealed the officers' sworn testimony appeared to contain untruthful statements. The officers have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is carried out, and could face criminal prosecution and termination.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the credibility of testimony from federal immigration agents, especially in high-profile incidents involving the use of force. It comes amid a broader pattern of eyewitness accounts and video evidence contradicting claims made by ICE officers to justify arrests and the use of deadly force against immigrants and protesters.

The details

In the January incident, ICE officers allegedly shot and wounded a Venezuelan man, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, during a confrontation at his Minneapolis home. The officers claimed Sosa-Celis and another man, Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna, attacked the officer with a snow shovel and broom handle, prompting the shooting. However, video evidence and witness testimony contradicted the officers' account, leading to the dismissal of all charges against the two Venezuelan men.

  • On January 14, the incident occurred in Minneapolis.
  • On January 21, discrepancies emerged between the ICE officer's account and witness testimony during a court hearing.
  • On February 13, federal authorities opened a criminal probe into the officers' allegedly untruthful statements.

The players

Todd Lyons

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director who announced the agency's investigation into the officers' conduct.

Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna

One of the two Venezuelan men who had charges against him dropped due to the contradictory evidence.

Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis

The other Venezuelan man who had charges against him dropped due to the contradictory evidence and was shot by the ICE officer during the incident.

Daniel N. Rosen

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota who filed the motion to dismiss the charges against Aljorna and Sosa-Celis.

Kristi Noem

The former Homeland Security Secretary who made statements attacking local officials and accusing the men of attempted murder of a federal officer, claims that are now contradicted by the evidence.

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What they’re saying

“Lying under oath is a serious federal offense. The men and women of ICE are entrusted with upholding the rule of law and are held to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct. Violations of this sacred sworn oath will not be tolerated.”

— Todd Lyons, ICE Director (wdef.com)

“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.”

— Brian D. Clark, Immigration Lawyer (wdef.com)

“These untruthful statements had serious consequences for my client and his family. My client is a crime victim.”

— Robin M. Wolpert, Defense Attorney (wdef.com)

What’s next

The U.S. Attorney's office is actively investigating the ICE officers' conduct, and the officers could face criminal prosecution and termination if found to have lied under oath. State authorities have also opened their own criminal investigation into the shooting incident.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability around the actions of federal immigration enforcement officers, particularly in the use of force against immigrant communities. It highlights how eyewitness accounts and video evidence can contradict official narratives, and the importance of rigorous investigations into potential misconduct.