Minneapolis video challenges ICE's account of shooting

Newly released footage contradicts federal agents' claims about confrontation with Venezuelan immigrants

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:36pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a snow shovel on the snowy ground, the harsh flash lighting creating a stark, gritty aesthetic that conceptually represents the investigative nature of this incident.The video evidence challenges federal agents' claims about the use of a snow shovel during the confrontation with Venezuelan immigrants in Minneapolis.Minneapolis Today

A newly released city camera video from Minneapolis is shedding light on the moments leading up to a shooting involving an ICE agent and two Venezuelan immigrants in January. The video appears to contradict the agent's account that he was engaged in a lengthy struggle before firing a shot, as well as claims that the immigrants violently attacked the agent with a snow shovel or broom. The Justice Department has dropped charges against the men, and two ICE agents who made false statements about the incident under oath have been placed on administrative leave.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local communities, as well as concerns about transparency and accountability around use-of-force incidents involving undocumented immigrants. The conflicting narratives and eventual dismissal of charges raise questions about the reliability of federal agents' accounts and the need for independent oversight.

The details

The video shows a struggle lasting about 12 seconds between the federal agent and the two men, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis and Alfredo A. Aljorna. It appears to contradict the agent's claim that he was engaged in a struggle for about three minutes before the shooting. The video also appears to contradict DHS's repeated claims that the agent was violently struck with a snow shovel or broom stick, as one of the men is seen holding a shovel that he drops before the struggle begins.

  • The incident took place in January 2026 during DHS's monthslong Twin Cities deployment known as Operation Metro Surge.
  • In February 2026, the Department of Justice filed a motion to drop the charges against Sosa-Celis and Aljorna, citing 'newly discovered evidence' contradicting the agents' previous account.

The players

Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis

A Venezuelan immigrant who was shot by a federal agent.

Alfredo A. Aljorna

Sosa-Celis' cousin, who was also involved in the confrontation with the federal agent.

Robin Wolpert

Sosa-Celis' attorney, who declined to comment on the video.

Frederick J. Goetz

Aljorna's attorney, who also declined to comment on the video.

Jacob Frey

The mayor of Minneapolis, who stated that the video makes it 'crystal clear' that the federal government's account does not match the facts.

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What they’re saying

“The video makes it crystal clear that, just like in other situations during Operation Metro Surge, the federal government's account of what happened simply does not match the facts.”

— Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis

“The video is evidence in ongoing federal and state investigations, so I cannot comment.”

— Robin Wolpert, Sosa-Celis' attorney

“The Trump administration's claims that my client and Sosa-Celis attacked federal agents with a broomstick or shovel 'never happened.'”

— Frederick J. Goetz, Aljorna's attorney

What’s next

The US Attorney's Office is investigating the incident, and the agents who made 'untruthful statements' about the incident could potentially face termination or criminal prosecution.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local communities, as well as the need for greater transparency and accountability around use-of-force incidents involving undocumented immigrants. The conflicting narratives and eventual dismissal of charges raise serious concerns about the reliability of federal agents' accounts and the importance of independent oversight.