Listen to the article
Two ICE officers face criminal investigation after prosecutors dismiss assault charges against Venezuelan migrants in Minneapolis. Video evidence suggests the officers may have lied under oath about a January confrontation that led to a shooting, according to federal officials.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons announced Friday that newly reviewed video appears to contradict sworn testimony from two officers regarding the January 14 incident in Minneapolis. The officers have been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation and could face termination and criminal prosecution.
“A joint review by ICE and the Department of Justice of video evidence has revealed that sworn testimony provided by two separate officers appears to have made untruthful statements,” said Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a statement. “Lying under oath is a serious federal offense. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is actively investigating these false statements.”
The case centered on Venezuelan nationals Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, who were initially charged with assaulting an ICE officer during what authorities described as a targeted traffic stop. U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen moved to dismiss the charges, citing “newly discovered evidence” that contradicted the allegations outlined in the criminal complaint and previous court testimony. A federal judge granted the dismissal on Friday.
The original account from DHS claimed that officers attempted to arrest Sosa-Celis on January 14 when he allegedly fled in his vehicle, crashed into a parked car, and ran on foot. Officials initially alleged that when an agent caught up with Sosa-Celis, he resisted arrest and assaulted the officer. According to the initial report, two additional men — Aljorna and Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez-Ledezma — then struck the officer with a snow shovel and broom handle, prompting the agent to fire a shot that struck Sosa-Celis in the leg.
However, court proceedings revealed that video footage and witness testimony failed to support these claims. The evidence presented in court did not substantiate allegations that the ICE agent had been assaulted with a shovel and broom, according to reports from The Associated Press.
The incident occurred amid heightened tensions over immigration enforcement actions in the Minneapolis area. Local activists had organized protests following the shooting, with demonstrators gathering outside the Bishop Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis on January 15.
This case comes at a time of increased scrutiny of ICE operations nationwide. In a separate but related development, police chiefs in Minnesota had previously alleged that some ICE agents racially profiled U.S. citizens, including off-duty police officers.
The Justice Department’s criminal investigation into the officers’ conduct represents a significant development in accountability for law enforcement actions within immigration enforcement. McLaughlin emphasized in her statement that ICE personnel “are entrusted with upholding the rule of law and are held to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct. Violations of this sacred sworn oath will not be tolerated.”
The names of the officers under investigation have not been released by federal authorities. Officials have not clarified whether the Venezuelan nationals involved in the case could still face possible deportation proceedings despite the dismissal of criminal charges.
The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement policies and practices, particularly regarding use of force incidents and accountability mechanisms within federal law enforcement agencies. As the investigation continues, it may have broader implications for ICE operations and oversight nationwide.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
11 Comments
Immigration enforcement is a sensitive and complex issue. While the alleged actions of these officers are concerning, I withhold judgment until the full facts come to light through a transparent investigation process. Maintaining the integrity of law enforcement is paramount.
This raises serious questions about the credibility of the officers involved. Lying under oath is a grave offense that undermines the integrity of the justice system. I hope the investigation is comprehensive and the findings are made publicly available.
Absolutely. Public confidence in law enforcement rests on their adherence to the highest ethical standards. Any proven misconduct must be dealt with firmly and fairly.
Disturbing allegations, if true. Truthfulness and integrity are fundamental to the role of law enforcement. I await the results of the investigation with interest, hoping that the full truth will come to light.
Well said. Unbiased, fact-based inquiry is essential to ensure justice is served and public trust is maintained, regardless of the outcome.
This is a serious matter that deserves close scrutiny. Lying under oath is a grave offense that erodes confidence in our justice system. I’m glad to see federal authorities taking this allegation seriously and conducting a rigorous investigation.
Allegations of law enforcement misconduct are always concerning. I hope the investigation into this matter is thorough and independent, with any wrongdoing swiftly addressed. Upholding the rule of law and public trust should be the top priorities.
I agree, transparency and accountability are essential. It’s critical that the investigation is conducted rigorously and without bias to get to the truth of what happened.
The alleged actions of these ICE officers, if substantiated, are a serious breach of the public’s trust. I hope the investigation is thorough and transparent, with appropriate accountability measures taken if wrongdoing is confirmed.
The details around this incident are troubling. If the officers did indeed provide false testimony, that is a significant breach of ethics and the public’s trust. I hope the investigation is conducted fairly and impartially to determine the facts.
Concerning allegations of ICE officers lying under oath. Accountability and transparency are critical for building public trust in law enforcement. I hope a thorough investigation can uncover the truth and appropriate actions are taken if wrongdoing is found.