ICE Agents Accused of Lying Under Oath About Shooting Migrant in Minnesota

Federal prosecutors move to dismiss charges against two men, citing "newly discovered evidence" that contradicts initial allegations.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) says that two of its officers appear to have made 'untruthful statements' about shooting a migrant in Minnesota and may face federal charges for their actions. The announcement comes after federal prosecutors in Minnesota asked a judge to dismiss charges against two men, including one who was shot in the leg by an immigration agent, citing 'newly discovered evidence' that is 'materially inconsistent' with the initial allegations.

Why it matters

This case raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability within ICE, as well as the potential for abuse of power by federal law enforcement. The discrepancies between official statements and court records highlight the need for rigorous oversight and independent investigations of such incidents involving the use of force by immigration authorities.

The details

According to the initial statements from the Department of Homeland Security, ICE agents were conducting a 'targeted traffic stop' for Julio Cesar Sosa-Selis when he fled, crashed into another car, and allegedly assaulted an officer with a 'shovel or broom stick,' prompting the officer to fire a 'defensive shot' and strike Sosa-Selis in the leg. However, the FBI affidavit states that the agents were actually attempting to stop a different man, Joffre Stalin Paucar Barrera, and that the driver they stopped was actually Alfredo Aljorna, who fled on foot toward his apartment building. The affidavit says Sosa-Selis was standing on the porch yelling at Aljorna to run faster, and that he grabbed a broom and began striking the agent, with a third man also allegedly assaulting the agent with a snow shovel.

  • The incident occurred on January 14, 2026.
  • The charges against Sosa-Selis and Aljorna were dismissed on February 13, 2026.

The players

Todd Lyons

The acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Julio Cesar Sosa-Selis

A migrant who was shot in the leg by an ICE agent during the incident.

Alfredo Aljorna

One of the men charged in the incident, who attorneys say was not corroborated by surveillance video.

Daniel Rosen

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota who asked the court to dismiss the charges against Sosa-Selis and Aljorna.

Timothy Schanz

The FBI Special Agent who investigated the shooting and wrote the affidavit detailing the discrepancies between official statements and court records.

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What they’re saying

“Lying under oath is a serious federal offense. The U.S. Attorney's Office is actively investigating these false statements.”

— Todd Lyons, Acting ICE Director (wbal.com)

“Newly discovered evidence in this matter is materially inconsistent with the allegations in the complaint affidavit... as well as the preliminary-hearing testimony.”

— Daniel Rosen, U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota (wbal.com)

What’s next

The U.S. Attorney's Office is actively investigating the false statements made by the two ICE officers, and they could face federal charges for lying under oath.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within federal immigration enforcement agencies, as well as the importance of independent oversight and thorough investigations to ensure that the use of force by law enforcement is justified and truthfully reported.