MINNEAPOLIS
Federal authorities have launched a criminal investigation into whether two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers lied under oath about the shooting of a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis last month, the agency’s director confirmed Friday.
ICE Director Todd Lyons announced that the agency, in conjunction with the Justice Department, opened the probe after video evidence contradicted the officers’ accounts.
The development comes on the same day a federal judge dismissed all charges against the man who was shot, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, as well as another Venezuelan national, Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna.
According to Lyons, the two officers—who have not been named—provided sworn testimony that “appears to have made untruthful statements,” a discovery made only after video of the incident came to light.
“Lying under oath is a serious federal offense,” Lyons said, confirming that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is actively investigating. He added that the officers have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal probe. Depending on the findings, they could face termination or criminal prosecution.
The incident involved an ICE officer shooting Sosa-Celis in the leg. The charges against both men have since been dropped.
“The men and women of ICE are entrusted with upholding the rule of law and are held to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct,” Lyons said in a statement.
“Violations of this sacred sworn oath will not be tolerated. ICE remains fully committed to transparency, accountability, and the fair enforcement of our nation’s immigration laws.”
By James Kisoo
