ICE Officers Face Criminal Probe for Alleged 'Untruthful Statements' About Minneapolis Shooting

Two immigration agents accused of making false claims under oath about confrontation that led to Venezuelan national being shot

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Two Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are under criminal investigation after federal prosecutors moved to dismiss felony assault charges against Venezuelan nationals stemming from a January shooting in Minneapolis. ICE and Department of Homeland Security officials say newly reviewed video evidence suggests the officers may have made 'untruthful statements' under oath about the incident, in which a Venezuelan national was shot. The officers have been placed on administrative leave and could face termination and possible criminal prosecution.

Why it matters

This case raises serious concerns about potential misconduct and lack of transparency within ICE, an agency that has faced previous allegations of racial profiling and excessive force. The dismissal of charges against the Venezuelan nationals based on contradictory evidence also underscores the importance of thorough investigations and accountability for law enforcement actions.

The details

According to authorities, the incident occurred on January 14 when ICE agents attempted to arrest Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national. Sosa-Celis allegedly fled the scene, crashed into a parked car, and ran on foot. An ICE agent caught up with him and claimed Sosa-Celis resisted and assaulted the officer. Authorities also alleged that two other Venezuelan men, Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez-Ledezma, struck the officer with a snow shovel and broom handle before the agent fired a shot, striking Sosa-Celis in the leg. However, a review of video evidence and witness testimony reportedly failed to support the officers' claims, leading federal prosecutors to move to dismiss the charges.

  • The incident occurred on January 14, 2026.
  • On February 14, 2026, federal prosecutors moved to dismiss the charges against the Venezuelan nationals.

The players

Todd Lyons

Acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Tricia McLaughlin

Assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna

One of the Venezuelan nationals initially accused of attacking an ICE officer.

Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis

One of the Venezuelan nationals initially accused of attacking an ICE officer.

Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez-Ledezma

One of the Venezuelan nationals initially accused of attacking an ICE officer.

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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.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (Fox News Digital)

“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, Assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The U.S. Attorney's Office is actively investigating the alleged false statements made by the ICE officers, and the officers could face termination and potential criminal prosecution upon conclusion of the investigation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies, especially those with significant authority like ICE. The dismissal of charges based on contradictory evidence underscores the need for thorough investigations and a commitment to upholding the rule of law, even among the agency's own personnel.