Context:

Federal authorities are investigating potential perjury by two ICE officers in the shooting of Venezuelan immigrant Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in Minneapolis, which has raised significant concerns about the integrity of law enforcement conduct. Following the release of video evidence contradicting the officers' sworn statements, all charges against Sosa-Celis and fellow immigrant Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna were dismissed by a federal judge. The incident reflects ongoing scrutiny over the use of deadly force by immigration agents, with implications for broader accountability and transparency within ICE. As investigations continue, the officers face possible termination and criminal charges, highlighting a critical moment for immigration enforcement practices.

Dive Deeper:

• The shooting incident occurred during a traffic stop attempt on January 14, 2026, when Aljorna fled and later struggled with an ICE officer, leading to Sosa-Celis being shot in the thigh.

• U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen filed a motion to dismiss the charges against Sosa-Celis and Aljorna, indicating that newly discovered evidence was inconsistent with prior allegations, prompting the judge to dismiss the case with prejudice.

• ICE officers have been placed on administrative leave, and ICE Director Todd Lyons emphasized the seriousness of lying under oath, stating that such violations will not be tolerated and may lead to prosecution.

• The investigation into the officers is part of a trend where several cases involving federal immigration agents have come under scrutiny due to conflicting eyewitness accounts and video evidence.

• Aljorna and Sosa-Celis, who were working as DoorDash drivers, faced significant legal challenges and possible deportation, despite their lack of violent criminal records and their attempts to avoid encounters with immigration enforcement.

• A third individual, Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez Ledezma, was detained without a warrant but later released by a federal judge after being taken to an ICE facility to prevent him from serving as a witness in the state investigation.

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly criticized local officials following the incident, alleging that federal agents were ambushed, a claim that has not been substantiated by video evidence.