Feds Accused of Lying About ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

Video contradicts agent's claim of sustained attack, leading to dropped charges against immigrants

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:10pm

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A cinematic painting of an ICE agent's vehicle parked on a dimly lit urban street, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a sense of quiet unease and uncertainty.The troubling video evidence contradicting the government's account of an ICE shooting in Minneapolis exposes the need for greater transparency and accountability within federal immigration enforcement.Minneapolis Today

The federal government initially accused a Venezuelan immigrant and his housemate of assaulting an ICE agent with a shovel and broom in Minneapolis, leading to felony charges. However, newly obtained video footage contradicts the agent's account, showing a much shorter confrontation with no sustained attack. Prosecutors later dropped the charges against the immigrants after the video undermined the government's case.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability within federal immigration enforcement agencies, with accusations that agents are willing to fabricate details to justify the use of force against immigrants. The video evidence exposing the government's false narrative raises questions about how often such tactics may be employed.

The details

According to the New York Times report, the confrontation between the ICE agent and the two immigrants lasted only about 12 seconds, contradicting the agent's claim of a 3-minute assault with a shovel and broom. Prosecutors did not review the video footage until nearly 3 weeks after filing charges, despite the Minneapolis police chief saying the video was available within hours of the January 14 shooting. The city's mayor criticized the lack of due diligence in verifying the agents' account before pursuing charges.

  • The incident occurred on January 14, 2026 in Minneapolis.
  • Prosecutors filed charges against the two immigrants shortly after the incident.
  • The video footage contradicting the agents' claims was obtained by the New York Times.
  • Prosecutors did not review the video until nearly 3 weeks after filing charges.
  • The charges against the immigrants were later dropped.

The players

Julio C. Sosa-Celis

A Venezuelan immigrant who was shot and wounded by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.

Alfredo A. Aljorna

A housemate of Sosa-Celis who was also charged but later had the charges dropped.

Todd Lyons

The acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who acknowledged that two agents appeared to have lied under oath about the events.

Jacob Frey

The mayor of Minneapolis, who criticized the lack of due diligence in verifying the agents' account before pursuing charges.

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What they’re saying

“Bare due diligence would have shown that the agents were lying.”

— Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis

“Two agents had appeared to have lied under oath about the events, adding that they had been placed on leave and could end up facing criminal charges.”

— Todd Lyons, Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

What’s next

The two ICE agents involved in the incident have been placed on leave and could face criminal charges for their false statements.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability within federal immigration enforcement agencies, with accusations that agents are willing to fabricate details to justify the use of force against immigrants. The video evidence exposing the government's false narrative raises questions about how often such tactics may be employed.