Federal Investigation Launched into ICE Officers’ Testimonies
In Minneapolis, federal authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into the actions of two immigration officers who allegedly provided false statements under oath regarding a shooting incident last month. This development comes as charges against two Venezuelan men involved have been dismissed.
ICE Director Todd Lyons announced that the agency, in collaboration with the Justice Department, is scrutinizing “sworn testimony provided by two separate officers” which, according to video evidence, appears to include falsehoods about the incident during the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The officers, whose identities remain undisclosed, are currently on administrative leave and face potential dismissal and prosecution.
“Lying under oath is a serious federal offense,” Lyons stated, emphasizing the ongoing investigation by the U.S. attorney’s office. He reiterated the agency’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
On Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Paul A. Magnuson dismissed felony assault charges against Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, who were accused of attacking an ICE officer with a broom handle and snow shovel on January 14. The officer had fired a shot, injuring Sosa-Celis.
The charges were dropped following a motion by U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen, citing “newly discovered evidence” that contradicted previous allegations in the criminal complaint and a prior hearing.
Background of the Incident
According to a discredited affidavit, ICE officers attempted a traffic stop on Aljorna, who crashed his vehicle and fled to his residence. The government alleged that Sosa-Celis and another man attacked the officer as he was struggling with Aljorna. The officer fired a shot, wounding Sosa-Celis, who along with Aljorna, took refuge in an apartment before being arrested.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem previously criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, accusing them of encouraging actions against law enforcement. However, ICE is now investigating the veracity of these claims.
Defense attorney Robin M. Wolpert expressed satisfaction with the public acknowledgment of the investigation into the officers’ statements, which affected her client significantly.
Prosecution Case Faces Scrutiny
The decision to dismiss charges came amid inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case. During a court hearing, discrepancies emerged between the ICE officer’s account and testimonies from the defendants and witnesses. Video evidence also did not support the officer’s claim of being assaulted with a broom and shovel.
Attorneys for Aljorna and Sosa-Celis highlighted that neither man had a violent criminal history and were working as delivery drivers to avoid federal encounters. The men barricaded themselves in their apartment with tear gas used to force them out, leading to their surrender.
A third man, Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez Ledezma, also faced detention without charges but was released following a federal judge’s order. He alleges his detention was to prevent him from testifying as a material witness.
