Minneapolis ICE Video Contradicts Federal Narrative

Prosecutors didn't review footage for weeks, leading to charges against immigrants later dismissed

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:10am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cinematic painting of a solitary security camera mounted on the side of a building, with warm sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the importance of video evidence in exposing the truth about the ICE incident.The security camera footage that contradicted the federal government's narrative about the controversial ICE shooting in Minneapolis.Minneapolis Today

Newly released security camera footage shows a brief scuffle between two men and an ICE agent in Minneapolis, contradicting the federal government's claims that the agent was attacked with a shovel and broom for several minutes before firing a 'defensive shot'. Prosecutors initially charged two Venezuelan immigrants based on the agent's account, but later moved to dismiss the charges after reviewing the video.

Why it matters

This incident highlights concerns about transparency and accountability in federal immigration enforcement actions, as well as the potential for abuse of power and false narratives. The case also raises questions about the treatment of undocumented immigrants who may be cooperating with investigations of misconduct by authorities.

The details

The security camera footage shows a roughly 12-second scuffle involving two men and an ICE agent, with no prolonged attack using a shovel as the agents had claimed in sworn statements. Prosecutors charged the two Venezuelan immigrants, Julio C. Sosa-Celis and Alfredo A. Aljorna, with assaulting an officer just two days after the incident, relying on the agent's account and an FBI affidavit. However, the charges were later dismissed after a prosecutor finally reviewed the video footage, which contradicted the federal government's narrative.

  • The incident occurred on January 14, 2026.
  • Prosecutors charged the two immigrants two days later, on January 16, 2026.
  • The city of Minneapolis released the security camera footage on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The players

Julio C. Sosa-Celis

A Venezuelan immigrant who was shot in the leg by an ICE agent during the incident, despite witnesses saying he was hit when an agent fired through a closed door into a home where children were present.

Alfredo A. Aljorna

A Venezuelan immigrant who was charged along with Sosa-Celis for allegedly assaulting an ICE agent, but the charges were later dismissed.

Jacob Frew

The mayor of Minneapolis, who told the New York Times that 'bare due diligence would have shown that the agents were lying'.

ICE's acting director

The official who has since said two agents appeared to have lied under oath and placed them on leave, with the possibility of facing criminal charges.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Jacob Frew, Mayor of Minneapolis

What’s next

State investigators say their review of the incident has been hampered by limited federal cooperation, and they are continuing to investigate the conduct of the ICE agents involved. Sosa-Celis and Aljorna, who were detained for weeks after the shooting, have been ordered to be returned to Minneapolis while they fight deportation efforts, and their lawyers say they could be eligible for special visas since they are cooperating with investigations of the agents' conduct.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in federal immigration enforcement actions, as well as the potential for abuse of power and false narratives. It also raises concerns about the treatment of undocumented immigrants who may be cooperating with investigations of misconduct by authorities.