Federal authorities have launched a criminal investigation into two Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers after video evidence contradicted their sworn testimony in a Jan. 14 shooting involving a Venezuelan immigrant, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons confirmed Friday.
According to authorities, the incident stemmed from a Jan. 14 confrontation in north Minneapolis involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national, who was shot in the leg by an ICE officer. Prosecutors initially charged Sosa-Celis and another man with assaulting federal officers during the encounter, alleging the officers were attacked with a broom handle and a snow shovel before the shooting.
However, federal prosecutors moved to dismiss all charges with prejudice after newly discovered video evidence revealed material inconsistencies between the officers’ sworn statements and the footage, meaning the allegations, as presented, could not be substantiated. The judge granted the request, barring refiling of the charges.
Lyons said the agency and the Department of Justice are conducting a joint probe to determine whether the two officers made false statements under oath. Both officers have been placed on administrative leave and could face termination or criminal prosecution if wrongdoing is confirmed.
The Hill continues:
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the officers — who were not named — had been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) investigation.
“A joint review by ICE and Department of Justice of video evidence has revealed that sworn testimony provided by two separate officers appears to have made untruthful statements,” McLaughlin said.
“Lying under oath is a serious federal offense,” she added, noting that the U.S. attorney’s office was “actively investigating these false statements.”
The announcement came hours after a federal judge dismissed the case against Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, who had been accused of assaulting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during the Jan. 14 scuffle that began with an attempted traffic stop.
Defense attorneys for the men praised the dismissal, with one lawyer saying the video evidence did not support the officers’ account and criticizing the initial prosecution. They also said they will cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
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