ICE Probes Officers Accused of Lying About Minneapolis Shooting

Federal authorities are investigating two ICE officers for allegedly making false statements about a January incident where they shot and wounded a Venezuelan immigrant.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Federal authorities are investigating two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers who were involved in the shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant in Minneapolis on January 14. ICE Director Todd Lyons stated that a joint review by ICE and the Department of Justice found that the officers' sworn testimony appeared to contain untruthful statements, contradicting video evidence. Both officers have been placed on administrative leave pending a full internal investigation, and the U.S. Attorney's Office is actively looking into the false statements.

Why it matters

This investigation raises concerns about potential misconduct and lack of transparency within ICE, an agency that has faced scrutiny over its enforcement tactics and treatment of immigrants. The alleged false statements by the officers involved in the shooting could undermine public trust in law enforcement and raise questions about the use of force against immigrant communities.

The details

On January 14, two ICE officers attempted to arrest Venezuelan immigrant Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis during a traffic stop in Minneapolis. Sosa-Celis fled the scene, and one of the officers shot and wounded him. ICE initially claimed the officers' actions were justified, but a review of video evidence has now revealed that the officers' sworn testimony about the incident appears to contain untruthful statements.

  • The shooting incident occurred on January 14, 2026 in Minneapolis.
  • On February 13, 2026, ICE Director Todd Lyons announced the investigation into the officers' alleged false statements.

The players

Todd Lyons

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

Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis

A Venezuelan immigrant who was shot and wounded by ICE officers during an attempted arrest in Minneapolis.

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What they’re saying

“A joint review by ICE and the Department of Justice (DOJ) of video evidence has revealed that sworn testimony provided by two separate officers appears to have made untruthful statements.”

— Todd Lyons, ICE Director (Politico)

What’s next

The U.S. Attorney's Office is actively investigating the officers' false statements, and the internal ICE investigation is ongoing. The outcome of these probes could have significant implications for the officers' futures and public trust in ICE's enforcement practices.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies, especially those tasked with sensitive immigration enforcement duties. The alleged misconduct by the ICE officers involved raises concerns about the use of force against immigrant communities and the need for rigorous oversight to ensure truthful reporting of such incidents.