DOJ Drops Charges Against Two Men After ICE Agents Made 'False Statements'

Federal prosecutors provided incorrect information to the court, while ICE admitted its agents lied under oath.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a motion to drop criminal charges against two Venezuelan men, Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, after federal prosecutors acknowledged providing incorrect information to the court and ICE admitted its agents made 'false statements' under oath. The case stemmed from a confrontation between the men and ICE agents in Minneapolis last month, which resulted in Sosa-Celis being shot in the leg. The government's initial account of the incident conflicted with the men's version of events, but video evidence later contradicted the ICE agents' claims.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the credibility of federal law enforcement agencies, particularly ICE, and their willingness to release inaccurate or misleading information about confrontations with civilians. It also raises questions about the use of force by federal agents and the need for greater transparency and accountability in these types of incidents.

The details

According to the DOJ's motion, federal prosecutors provided incorrect information to the court as the basis for filing criminal charges against Aljorna and Sosa-Celis. ICE later admitted that its agents had made 'false statements' under oath about the incident. The two ICE agents involved have been placed on administrative leave while the Justice Department investigates their 'untruthful statements', which were revealed by a review of video evidence. The DOJ's motion cited 'newly discovered evidence' that contradicted the initial allegations from federal prosecutors.

  • On January 14, the incident occurred in Minneapolis.
  • On January 16, the Justice Department filed a criminal complaint against Aljorna and Sosa-Celis.
  • On February 16, the DOJ filed a motion to drop the charges against the two men.

The players

Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna

A DoorDash driver who was allegedly being followed by ICE agents and fled to his home, where the confrontation occurred.

Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis

Aljorna's cousin, who was shot in the leg by an ICE agent during the confrontation at the home.

U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

The federal agency that filed the motion to drop the charges against Aljorna and Sosa-Celis after discovering that federal prosecutors had provided incorrect information to the court.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency whose agents were involved in the confrontation with Aljorna and Sosa-Celis, and whose agents were found to have made 'false statements' under oath.

Todd Lyons

The ICE Director who stated that the two ICE agents involved have been placed on administrative leave while the Justice Department investigates their 'untruthful statements'.

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What they’re saying

“This was an absolute unreasonable use of force, and the officer was fabricating claims against my client to justify that.”

— Frederick J. Goetz, Attorney for Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna (CNN)

“Julio is relieved that the federal criminal case is over. He is determined to seek justice and hold the ICE officer accountable for his unlawful conduct.”

— Robin Wolpert, Attorney for Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis (CNN)

What’s next

The Justice Department is investigating the 'untruthful statements' made by the two ICE agents involved in the incident, and the agents may face potential criminal prosecution or termination.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing credibility issues faced by federal law enforcement agencies, particularly ICE, and the need for greater transparency and accountability when it comes to the use of force by federal agents. It also underscores the importance of video evidence in contradicting the government's initial narratives in these types of confrontations.