Prosecutors Move to Drop Charges Against Men Accused of Assaulting ICE Officer

New evidence undermines government's claims in high-profile case involving shooting of Venezuelan immigrant

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Federal prosecutors in Minneapolis have moved to dismiss felony assault charges against two Venezuelan men, including one who was shot in the leg by an immigration officer, after new evidence emerged that contradicts the government's original account of the incident.

Why it matters

This case is the latest in a string of high-profile incidents involving federal immigration agents where eyewitness statements and video evidence have called into question the official claims used to justify the use of force. The dismissal of charges raises concerns about the credibility of law enforcement narratives in such confrontations.

The details

The charges stemmed from a January 14th incident where an ICE officer claimed he was attacked with a broom and shovel by Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis as he tried to arrest Aljorna. The officer then shot Sosa-Celis in the leg. However, the government now says 'newly discovered evidence' is 'materially inconsistent' with the original allegations, leading them to seek dismissal of the charges 'with prejudice'.

  • The incident occurred on January 14, 2026.
  • The charges were filed shortly after the incident.
  • On February 13, 2026, federal prosecutors moved to dismiss the charges.

The players

Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna

One of the two Venezuelan men charged in the incident.

Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis

The other Venezuelan man charged, who was shot in the leg by the ICE officer.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Officer

The federal immigration officer involved in the confrontation.

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What they’re saying

“What we saw last night in Minneapolis was an attempted murder of federal law enforcement. Our officer was ambushed and attacked by three individuals who beat him with snow shovels and the handles of brooms. Fearing for his life, the officer fired a defensive shot.”

— Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary (ksgf.com)

“Aljorna had a broomstick in his hand and had thrown it at the agent as he ran towards the house. Sosa-Celis had been holding a shovel but was retreating into the home when the officer fired, wounding him.”

— Frederick Goetz, Aljorna's attorney (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to grant the prosecutors' request to dismiss the charges against Aljorna and Sosa-Celis with prejudice, meaning the charges cannot be refiled.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the credibility of law enforcement narratives in confrontations with immigrants and protesters, and the need for thorough investigations and independent oversight to ensure accountability when force is used.