ICE Chief Accuses Agents of Perjury in Minneapolis Shooting

Charges dropped against suspects after video contradicts officers' accounts

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, has publicly accused two of his own federal agents of perjury regarding a mid-January shooting of a Venezuelan national in Minneapolis. Video evidence has surfaced that contradicts the officers' sworn testimony, leading to the Department of Justice dropping all charges against the suspects.

Why it matters

This case raises serious concerns about the integrity and accountability of federal law enforcement, as well as the potential consequences of officers making untruthful statements under oath. The reversal of charges also highlights the importance of video evidence in providing an objective record of events, especially when there are conflicting narratives.

The details

According to Lyons, video footage has revealed that the two ICE officers provided 'untruthful statements' in their sworn testimony about the incident. The officers have been placed on administrative leave pending a full internal investigation. The Department of Justice has dropped all charges against the two suspects, Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, citing 'newly discovered evidence' that was 'materially inconsistent' with the original allegations.

  • The shooting incident occurred in mid-January 2026.
  • The charges against the suspects were dropped in February 2026.

The players

Todd Lyons

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

Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna

One of the Venezuelan nationals who was previously charged in the incident.

Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis

The other Venezuelan national who was previously charged in the incident.

Daniel Rosen

The U.S. Attorney who dropped the charges against Aljorna and Sosa-Celis.

Frederick Goetz

The attorney representing Aljorna.

Robin Wolpert

The attorney representing Sosa-Celis.

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What they’re saying

“Video evidence has revealed that sworn testimony provided by two separate officers appears to have made untruthful statements. Both officers have been immediately placed on administrative leave pending the completion of a thorough internal investigation. Lying under oath is a serious federal offense.”

— Todd Lyons, Acting ICE Head (balleralert.com)

“It is my understanding that the video surveillance evidence that captured the incident was materially inconsistent with the federal agent's claims of what happened; i.e. the agent's claims of being assaulted were not backed up by the video evidence.”

— Frederick Goetz, Attorney for Aljorna (balleralert.com)

“I am glad to see that ICE and the DOJ are publicly acknowledging and investigating untruthful statements by the two ICE officers.”

— Robin Wolpert, Attorney for Sosa-Celis (balleralert.com)

What’s next

The internal investigation into the two ICE officers is ongoing, and Lyons has stated that if the investigation confirms they lied, they could face termination and potential federal charges for their false statements.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical importance of accountability and integrity within federal law enforcement agencies. The admission by ICE's own leadership that its officers may have committed perjury underscores the need for robust oversight and consequences for officers who violate the public's trust through untruthful statements.