Minneapolis Video Highlights ICE Shooting After Charges Dropped
Minneapolis officials released security camera footage Monday that captures a chase and scuffle. The encounter ended with a nonfatal shooting on Jan. 14.
What the footage appears to show
The video comes from a city-owned street camera. It records part of a confrontation outside a residence.
The clip shows a person with a snow shovel near the curb. That person retreats, tosses the shovel into a yard, and moves toward the home.
Another person runs from the street, falls on the sidewalk, and keeps heading toward the house. Three people then scuffle near the front steps for about ten seconds.
The camera does not clearly show the exact moment the shot was fired. A vehicle with flashing lights later arrives. The recording also pans to the street before emergency vehicles reach the scene.
People involved and immediate aftermath
Federal agents were involved in the incident. Two Venezuelan men who live at the home were at the center of the encounter.
Authorities initially said an ICE officer was struck with a broom handle and a snow shovel. The officer fired one round, striking Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in the right thigh.
Protesters soon gathered and clashed with officers wearing helmets and gas masks.
Charges dropped and new evidence
Federal prosecutors dropped all criminal charges against Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in February. The dismissal came after a rare motion by U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen.
Rosen said newly discovered evidence conflicted with earlier allegations and hearing testimony. He asked for dismissal with prejudice so charges cannot be refiled.
The development prompted questions about the timing and handling of the case. Minneapolis Video Highlights ICE Shooting After Charges Dropped has been a focal point for critics.
Investigations into officer conduct
The Department of Justice opened a criminal inquiry into whether two immigration officers lied under oath. ICE confirmed the officers were placed on administrative leave during an internal probe.
ICE said false testimony is a serious federal offense. The agency indicated the officers could face termination and criminal charges if wrongdoing is found.
Legal status of the men
Both men were ordered released before the criminal case was dismissed. ICE took them back into custody for alleged immigration violations.
Court orders later returned them to release while they pursue legal status. Attorneys for the men declined to provide substantive comments.
Local officials and ongoing probes
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the footage raises questions about the federal account. City officials provided the video but offered no narrative.
State and county prosecutors have pushed for access to evidence from federal authorities. They have sued the Trump administration for materials tied to this shooting and two fatal federal-involved shootings.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office declined to comment, citing an active investigation.
