Prosecutor Seeks Dismissal of Charges Against Two Men in Minneapolis Agent Clash
A federal prosecutor is moving to dismiss charges against two men involved in a conflict with immigration agents in Minneapolis. This action follows the discovery of new evidence that contradicts earlier testimony related to the January 14 incident.
Details of the Charges
The motion for dismissal was filed in U.S. District Court in Minnesota. It targets Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis and Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna, who were accused of aiding and abetting in a violent assault against federal law enforcement.
New Evidence Emerges
The prosecutor indicated that the newly uncovered information is “materially inconsistent” with previous statements made during the preliminary hearing. The dismissal is sought with prejudice, meaning the charges cannot be refiled in the future.
Incident Overview
During the January altercation, Sosa-Celis was reportedly shot in the thigh. This incident occurred shortly after the fatal shooting of Renee Good, an event that led to local protests and calls for calm from state officials.
Conflicting Accounts
Authorities provided differing narratives regarding the events. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed that the altercation started during a “targeted traffic stop” of a Venezuelan man living illegally in the U.S.
- The man allegedly fled, crashed into a parked car, and began resisting arrest.
- DHS reported that two individuals attacked the officer using a snow shovel and broomstick.
- In contrast, the FBI’s affidavit recorded a different perspective on the number of assailants.
Details from the FBI Affidavit
The FBI agent’s affidavit depicts a chaotic scene following the car crash. It details that Sosa-Celis allegedly struck the officer with a broomstick. Meanwhile, Aljorna was identified as the driver of the crashed vehicle.
The FBI agent indicated difficulty seeing during the altercation due to poor lighting. Discrepancies exist, particularly regarding the number of attackers involved. Initial reports suggested additional suspects were present, with witnesses claiming one assailant fled into an apartment after the incident.
Aftermath and Reactions
As a result of the violent encounter and subsequent public unrest, the Trump administration announced it would be ending its immigration surge in Minneapolis. This decision came in the wake of criticism surrounding the shooting incidents involving immigration enforcement agents.
Current Status
Both Sosa-Celis and Aljorna’s attorneys did not respond immediately to requests for comments. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with the FBI and DHS, had yet to provide further statements regarding the evolving situation.
This case highlights complex issues surrounding immigration enforcement and the tensions in law enforcement communities, particularly in urban areas like Minneapolis.
