DOJ Dismisses Charges Against Men Accused of Assaulting ICE Officers in Minneapolis
The Justice Department has decided to drop federal charges against two individuals accused of assaulting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Minneapolis. This decision stems from “newly discovered evidence” that conflicts with the allegations made against them. The charges were filed last month, and the dismissal was announced by U.S. Attorney in Minnesota, Daniel Rosen.
Case Overview
The defendants in this case are Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis. They faced charges for forcibly assaulting federal officers during their official duties. Notably, Sosa-Celis was shot in the leg by an ICE agent during the incident.
Details of the Incident
- The incident occurred during a traffic stop in January.
- DHS reported that Sosa-Celis fled in his vehicle, crashed, and then escaped on foot.
- Two individuals allegedly attacked an ICE agent with a broom handle and snow shovel.
- The agent subsequently fired a round in self-defense.
Inconsistencies and New Evidence
New evidence revealed inconsistencies in the government’s account of the event. According to an FBI affidavit, Aljorna, not Sosa-Celis, fled the scene in a vehicle. Furthermore, the affidavit states that Sosa-Celis was the one who initially struck the ICE officer.
In the aftermath, a cellphone video surfaced, showing a woman informing a 911 operator that her husband had been chased by ICE agents before being shot in front of his family.
Reactions to the Dismissal
Frederick Goetz, Aljorna’s attorney, expressed his satisfaction regarding the dismissal of charges. He appreciated the U.S. Attorney’s office for making the right decision. Goetz indicated that the video evidence undermined the claims made by federal agents during the case.
Context of Tensions
This incident occurred amidst heightened tensions surrounding federal immigration practices in Minnesota. It followed the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent and took place shortly before another incident involving DHS agents and Alex Pretti.
Impact of Community Response
The shootings prompted a series of protests across Minnesota, drawing national attention. President Trump even threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in response to the unrest. Recently, border czar Tom Homan announced the conclusion of a surge operation for immigration agents in the area, citing public safety concerns.
The dismissal of charges in this case signifies a critical moment in ongoing discussions about immigration enforcement and community relations with federal authorities.
