Federal Officers Accused of Lying About Shooting of Venezuelan Immigrant

Charges against the immigrants were dismissed after new evidence contradicted officers' claims of self-defense.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Two U.S. immigration enforcement officers are under federal investigation after they allegedly made untruthful statements about a confrontation in Minneapolis that led to the shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant. The officers claimed the immigrant and another Venezuelan assaulted them with a broom and shovel, forcing one officer to open fire in self-defense. However, charges against the immigrants were later dismissed when prosecutors said newly discovered evidence contradicted the officers' allegations.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the credibility of federal immigration authorities and their willingness to use force, even when the circumstances may not justify it. It also raises questions about the transparency and accountability of these agencies when it comes to incidents involving the use of deadly force.

The details

According to Politico, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons acknowledged that two federal officers 'appear to have made untruthful statements' about the confrontation in Minneapolis in January. The officers claimed Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis and Alfredo Aljorna assaulted them with a broom and shovel, leading one officer to shoot Sosa-Celis in the leg. However, charges against the two immigrants were later dismissed when prosecutors said newly discovered evidence contradicted the officers' allegations.

  • The incident occurred in Minneapolis in January 2026.
  • Charges against the immigrants were dismissed on Thursday.

The players

Todd Lyons

ICE Acting Director who acknowledged the officers' statements appear to have been untruthful.

Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis

A Venezuelan immigrant who was shot in the leg by one of the federal officers.

Alfredo Aljorna

Another Venezuelan immigrant who was involved in the confrontation with the federal officers.

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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, US Homeland Security Secretary (Politico)

“They're hiding evidence, stifling investigations, and fabricating information. They're lying to your face. We won't let them get away with it—Minnesotans deserve justice.”

— Minnesota House DFL Caucus (Politico)

“The Trump administration has consistently lied about ICE's violent acts toward Americans and the abuses that this agency perpetuates every day. They aren't afraid to lie about members of Congress, and they certainly aren't afraid to lie about any American they have killed, shot, or assaulted. This agency cannot continue to exist.”

— Rob Menedez, US Representative (D-NJ) (Politico)

What’s next

The US Department of Justice is investigating the two federal officers involved in the shooting incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the credibility and transparency of federal immigration authorities, as well as the need for greater accountability when it comes to the use of force by these agencies.