ICE Officers May Have Lied About Minneapolis Shooting

Federal agents are looking into claims that two ICE officers gave untrue information about a shooting in Minneapolis. The man who was shot, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, had charges against him dropped. The ICE acting director said the officers may have given wrong information.
By Newsroom | Law Enforcement, Minneapolis |

Federal agents are investigating claims that two Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers may have provided false information under oath concerning a shooting incident in Minneapolis. The shooting involved Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national, who was struck in the leg by gunfire on January 14. The situation has escalated as ICE's acting director, Todd Lyons, has stated that the officers appear to have given inaccurate testimony, leading to an internal probe and a separate criminal investigation by the U.S. Attorney's office. Charges against Sosa-Celis and another man, Alfredo Aljorna, who were accused of attacking the officers, have since been dropped.

ICE agents may have lied about shooting of migrant in Minneapolis, officials say - 1

Background of the Incident and Initial Claims

The events unfolded following a car chase involving Sosa-Celis, who was reportedly in the U.S. illegally. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initially stated that the shooting occurred after an altercation between a federal agent and Sosa-Celis after he exited his vehicle. Further official accounts, including an FBI affidavit, alleged that Sosa-Celis attacked a law enforcement officer with a "shovel or a broom stick" as part of an attempt to evade arrest. This narrative was used to support charges against both Sosa-Celis and Aljorna.

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ICE agents may have lied about shooting of migrant in Minneapolis, officials say - 2

  • January 14 Incident: An ICE agent shot Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in the leg during a confrontation.

  • Initial Government Statement: DHS claimed an altercation followed a car chase, leading to the shooting.

  • FBI Affidavit: Alleged Sosa-Celis assaulted an officer with a "shovel or a broom stick" while attempting to evade arrest.

  • Charges Filed: Sosa-Celis and Alfredo Aljorna were accused of attacking federal officers.

Evolving Account and Official Doubts

The official narrative surrounding the shooting has shifted significantly. Doubts about the officers' accounts emerged, prompting a criminal investigation by the Department of Justice.

ICE agents may have lied about shooting of migrant in Minneapolis, officials say - 3

  • ICE Director's Statement: Todd Lyons, acting ICE director, stated that two officers appeared to have provided inaccurate testimony and placed them on administrative leave.

  • Charges Dropped: A judge granted a request to dismiss charges against Sosa-Celis and Aljorna on February 23, a week after the shooting occurred.

  • Surveillance Video Discrepancy: Lawyers for Aljorna and Sosa-Celis claim that surveillance videos do not support the assertion that an agent was assaulted. They contend that Sosa-Celis was shot while retreating into his doorway.

Conflicting Details Emerge

Evidence presented by the defense and scrutiny from within federal agencies have brought forth conflicting details regarding the sequence of events and the actions of those involved.

The Altercation and Use of Force

  • Government's Claim: The initial government account suggested an assault on an officer.

  • Defense's Counter-Narrative: Lawyers assert Sosa-Celis was shot in the leg while he was on his porch and attempting to enter his apartment. It has also been suggested that Aljorna struck a light pole and fled on foot towards his apartment building.

  • Object of Possession: While the government's initial statement alleged Sosa-Celis attacked an officer with a shovel or broomstick, another account suggests Sosa-Celis was holding a shovel but was retreating into his home when the officer fired.

Identity of the Driver and Accused

  • Initial Identification: The initial report suggested Sosa-Celis was the individual in question during the pursuit.

  • Revised Identification: According to an FBI agent, later identification suggested that Aljorna was the man who fled the scene in a car.

  • Criminal Records: It has been noted that neither Aljorna nor Sosa-Celis had violent criminal records.

Investigation and Administrative Actions

The U.S. Attorney's office is actively investigating the matter. The two ICE officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of both the internal and criminal investigations.

Read More: Two ICE Officers Investigated for Allegedly Lying About Migrant Shooting

  • Internal Investigation: ICE is conducting its own internal review of the incident and the officers' conduct.

  • Criminal Probe: The Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into the ICE officers' alleged false statements.

Expert Analysis

"When allegations of dishonesty are made against law enforcement officers, especially concerning the use of force, it is imperative that a thorough and impartial investigation takes place. The integrity of the justice system relies on the truthfulness of sworn testimony." - Legal Analyst

The unfolding situation raises critical questions about the adherence to departmental protocols and the accuracy of initial reports in high-stakes encounters.

Conclusion and Implications

The current investigation centers on whether the ICE officers intentionally misrepresented the facts surrounding the shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis. The dismissal of charges against Sosa-Celis and Aljorna suggests a significant departure from the initial allegations.

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  • Accountability: The federal investigation aims to determine if the officers lied under oath, which could have severe professional and legal repercussions.

  • Trust in Law Enforcement: Such allegations can erode public trust in law enforcement agencies, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability.

  • Ongoing Scrutiny: The case highlights the ongoing need for robust oversight mechanisms to ensure accurate reporting and prevent potential misconduct.

Sources

Read More: Charges Dropped Against Two Men in Minneapolis ICE Incident

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened in Minneapolis?
Two ICE officers may have lied about a shooting where a man named Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis was shot in the leg.
Q: What is the ICE director saying?
The acting ICE director, Todd Lyons, said the officers seem to have given untrue information.
Q: Were there charges against the man who was shot?
Yes, but the charges against Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis and another man, Alfredo Aljorna, have been dropped.
Q: What is happening now?
The U.S. Attorney's office is doing a criminal investigation into the ICE officers.