ICE Agents Under Investigation for Alleged False Statements in Minneapolis Shooting

Charges dropped against shooting victims after video evidence contradicts agents' accounts

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A criminal investigation is underway to determine if two Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents provided false testimony regarding a shooting involving a Venezuelan man last month in Minneapolis. The probe was announced after video evidence surfaced suggesting discrepancies in the agents' accounts of the January incident. Charges against the shooting victims, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis and Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna, have been dismissed by a federal judge due to newly discovered evidence that was 'materially inconsistent' with previous government claims.

Why it matters

This case adds to growing concerns over the conduct of federal immigration agents, with previous instances involving questions about the use of force and accuracy of statements made to justify actions. The discrepancies in testimony and dismissal of charges against the victims raise serious questions about transparency and accountability within ICE.

The details

The investigation was launched after video evidence surfaced that contradicted the ICE agents' accounts of the January incident. The agents had claimed that Sosa-Celis and Aljorna assaulted them with a snow shovel and broom handle, but the video footage did not corroborate this. Both men denied assaulting the agents. A third Venezuelan man, Gabriel Alejandro Hernández Ledezma, who was present at the scene, was briefly detained and transferred to a Texas detention center, which his attorney alleges was done to prevent him from providing testimony that could undermine the government's case.

  • The shooting incident occurred in January.
  • The charges against Sosa-Celis and Aljorna were dismissed on February 14, 2026.

The players

Todd Lyons

ICE Director who announced the criminal investigation.

Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis

Venezuelan man who was shot in the leg by an ICE agent.

Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna

Venezuelan man who was accused of assaulting an ICE officer.

Daniel N. Rosen

Federal prosecutor who stated that newly discovered evidence was 'materially inconsistent' with previous government claims.

Gabriel Alejandro Hernández Ledezma

Venezuelan man who was present at the scene and briefly detained by ICE.

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What they’re saying

“Lying under oath is a serious federal crime.”

— Todd Lyons, ICE Director

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Department of Justice is actively investigating the case, and the potential consequences for the ICE agents include termination and criminal charges if they are found to have lied under oath.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the conduct and accountability of federal immigration agents, with questions being raised about the use of force, accuracy of statements, and transparency in investigations involving ICE.