ICE says 2 of its officers may have lied under oath about shooting migrant in Minnesota
The head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced that two officers are facing potential federal charges for allegedly making false statements about shooting a migrant in Minnesota. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons stated that after a joint review by ICE and the Department of Justice, it was determined that the officers had provided untruthful testimony. As a result, both officers have been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.
Lyons emphasized that lying under oath is a serious federal offense and that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is actively looking into the matter. He reiterated ICE’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity within the agency.
The development comes following a request from the U.S. Attorney for Minnesota to dismiss charges against two men involved in the incident. The prosecutor cited newly discovered evidence that contradicted the initial allegations of a violent attack on law enforcement during an enforcement operation.
The shooting occurred on January 14, shortly after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis. The Trump administration initially claimed that Julio Cesar Sosa-Selis had attacked a federal officer with a shovel or broomstick in an attempt to evade arrest. However, surveillance footage and witness testimonies raised doubts about the accuracy of these claims.
Attorneys for one of the men charged in the incident argued that the FBI’s version of events did not align with the actual sequence of events captured on video. They also sought to prevent the deportation of key witnesses who could provide crucial evidence in the case.
Further discrepancies emerged between statements from DHS officials and court records regarding the arrests, leading to questions about the accuracy of the initial narrative presented by the government. The reversal of assault charges against Sosa-Celis and Aljorna underscored the need for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.
Video evidence reviewed by ABC News revealed that the shooting took place as Sosa-Celis was attempting to close the door to his apartment. The families of the men involved expressed relief upon hearing about the potential dismissal of charges, calling for accountability for the ICE agent responsible for the shooting.
The unfolding developments underscore the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency within law enforcement agencies. As the investigation progresses, it is crucial to ensure that justice is served and that all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.
