DHS Admits Immigration Agents Lied About Shooting in Minnesota

Federal agents involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave pending investigation.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security has acknowledged that two federal immigration agents involved in the shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant in Minneapolis last month appear to have lied about the details of the incident. The agents have been placed on administrative leave as the agency investigates the January 14 shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, who was injured after being shot in the leg. DHS said the agency is investigating the incident and the officers involved could be fired or criminally prosecuted.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the use of force and potential misconduct by federal immigration agents, as well as the need for greater transparency and accountability within immigration enforcement. The acknowledgment by DHS that its agents may have lied about the details of this incident could further erode public trust in the agency.

The details

According to DHS, a joint review by ICE and the Department of Justice of video evidence has revealed that the sworn testimony provided by two separate officers "appears to have made untruthful statements" about the incident. DHS initially said the officer fired a shot to "save his life" after being "ambushed and attacked" by three immigrants with a snow shovel and a broom handle during a "targeted traffic stop." However, an eyewitness account from Sosa-Celis' partner contradicts the agency's initial statement, saying Sosa-Celis was trying to separate the agent and another Venezuelan man so both could get into a house.

  • The shooting incident occurred on January 14, 2026.
  • DHS acknowledged the potential misconduct by its agents on February 13, 2026.

The players

Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis

A Venezuelan immigrant who was shot in the leg during the incident.

Alfredo Aljorna

Another Venezuelan man who was accused of attacking the immigration officers.

Indriany Mendoza Camacho

Sosa-Celis' partner, who was present during the incident and contradicted the DHS's initial statement.

Tricia McLaughlin

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.

Todd Lyons

The acting director of ICE.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Spokesperson (npr.org)

“I'm a witness, I saw everything, and my partner never grabbed anything to hit him or anything like that.”

— Indriany Mendoza Camacho, Sosa-Celis' Partner (npr.org)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security is continuing its investigation into the incident, and the officers involved could face termination or criminal prosecution if found to have violated policies or the law.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about the use of force and potential misconduct by federal immigration agents, as well as the need for greater transparency and accountability within immigration enforcement. The acknowledgment by DHS that its agents may have lied about the details of this incident could further erode public trust in the agency.