Charges Dismissed Against Men Accused of Assaulting ICE Officer

Federal judge cites 'newly discovered evidence' that contradicts initial allegations

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A federal judge has dismissed charges against two men who were accused of assaulting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during an incident in Minnesota last month. The judge cited 'newly discovered evidence' that was 'materially inconsistent' with the initial allegations made by the officers involved.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions and scrutiny over immigration enforcement tactics, particularly following a recent fatal shooting of a civilian by an ICE officer in Minneapolis that sparked protests. The dismissal of charges raises questions about the credibility of the officers' accounts and the need for greater transparency and accountability in such incidents.

The details

According to court documents, the incident began with a traffic stop initiated after officers scanned a license plate through an ICE database and believed the driver, Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna, was in the country illegally. However, Aljorna was the actual owner of the vehicle, not the person believed to be undocumented. As officers attempted to detain Aljorna, a second man, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, and a third person allegedly started hitting the officers with a broomstick and shovel. One of the officers then fired a single shot, injuring Sosa-Celis. Prosecutors later moved to dismiss the charges, citing 'newly discovered evidence' that contradicted the officers' initial accounts.

  • The incident occurred on January 14, 2026.
  • On January 16, 2026, an FBI affidavit was filed providing details on the incident.
  • On February 14, 2026, the federal judge dismissed the charges against Aljorna and Sosa-Celis.

The players

Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna

One of the two men accused of assaulting an ICE officer, but charges were later dismissed.

Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis

The second man accused of assaulting an ICE officer, but charges were later dismissed.

Paul A. Magnuson

The federal judge who dismissed the charges against Aljorna and Sosa-Celis.

Tricia McLaughlin

The Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary who initially provided details on the incident.

Renee Good

A 37-year-old civilian who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, sparking protests.

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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.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary (thehill.com)

What’s next

The Department of Justice is investigating the two ICE officers involved in the incident for potentially lying under oath.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement actions, particularly when they involve the use of force and result in injuries or fatalities. The dismissal of charges raises serious questions about the credibility of the officers' accounts and the importance of thorough, independent investigations into such incidents.