Newly released surveillance footage has contradicted the official account of a shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis, raising questions about accountability within the agency. The incident occurred on 14 January during a major immigration enforcement operation, when agents attempted to stop a car driven by Alfredo Aljorna, a Venezuelan national. Aljorna fled, crashed, and ran toward an apartment building where his roommate, Julio Sosa Celis, stood holding a snow shovel.
ICE agents claimed they were attacked by the two men, leading to a shooting that wounded Sosa Celis. Both men were charged with assaulting a federal officer. However, the prosecution collapsed weeks later as evidence supporting the agents' version of events fell apart. The newly released video footage has further undermined the agents' statements, showing no violent altercation as described.
This is the third time video evidence has disproven ICE's account of a shooting in Minneapolis. Previous cases involving the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti were also captured on bystander video and appeared excessive, prompting changes in Department of Homeland Security leadership. Experts say Minnesota has become a focal point for accountability in immigration enforcement.
In a departure from past practice, ICE Director Todd Lyons has placed the officers involved on administrative leave and stated they may face dismissal or criminal prosecution for making false statements. An ICE spokesperson confirmed that the U.S. attorney's office is investigating the officers for potential perjury. However, analysts caution that while this marks a step toward accountability, it remains to be seen whether it signals a lasting shift or merely a change in tone.
