ICE Agents Accused of Lying About Minneapolis Shooting

Investigators say evidence doesn't match agents' stories after one shot a Venezuelan man.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Two Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been placed on administrative leave after investigators found that their sworn testimony about a non-fatal shooting in Minneapolis on January 14 appears to contain untruthful statements. The agents may face termination and criminal charges as a result of the discrepancies between their accounts and the evidence uncovered by a joint review conducted by ICE and the Department of Justice.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about potential misconduct and lack of accountability among federal law enforcement agents. The allegations that ICE agents lied about the circumstances of a shooting incident could undermine public trust in the agency and prompt further scrutiny of its practices, particularly in interactions with immigrant communities.

The details

According to officials, the two unnamed ICE agents shot a Venezuelan man named Sosa-Celis in the thigh after he allegedly fled an attempted traffic stop and exited his vehicle at an apartment complex. Both the agent and Sosa-Celis were treated at a nearby hospital, and Sosa-Celis, Aljorna, and Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez-Ledezma were arrested. However, a review of video evidence has revealed that the agents' sworn testimony about the incident was "materially inconsistent" with the evidence. As a result, federal prosecutors have moved to dismiss criminal charges against two of the individuals arrested.

  • The shooting incident occurred on January 14, 2026.
  • On February 14, 2026, ICE placed the two agents on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
  • On February 16, 2026, a federal judge granted a motion to dismiss charges against two of the individuals arrested.

The players

ICE Agents

Two unnamed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who were involved in the shooting incident in Minneapolis.

Julia Cesar Sosa-Celis

A Venezuelan man who was shot in the thigh by an ICE agent during the incident.

Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna

A Venezuelan man who was arrested and accused of beating a pursuing ICE agent with a snow shovel and broom handle, but had the charges against him dismissed.

Daniel Rosen

The U.S. Attorney who filed a motion to dismiss the criminal charges against Sosa-Celis and Aljorna.

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What they’re saying

“A joint review by ICE and the Department of Justice of video evidence has revealed that sworn testimony provided by two separate officers appears to have made untruthful statements.”

— ICE Spokesperson (Fox News Digital)

“The agents' statements were "materially inconsistent" with evidence that recently was discovered.”

— Daniel Rosen, U.S. Attorney (UPI)

What’s next

The internal investigation by ICE and the Department of Justice is ongoing, and the two agents may face termination and criminal charges depending on the findings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency within federal law enforcement agencies, particularly when it comes to the use of force and interactions with immigrant communities. The allegations of untruthful statements by ICE agents could further erode public trust and prompt calls for stricter oversight and reforms.