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ICE agent shoots Venezuelan immigrant, video contradicts DHS account of attack

Jan 14, 2026 · Minneapolis, MN, Venezuela

ICE agent shoots Venezuelan immigrant, video contradicts DHS account of attack

On January 14, 2026, an ICE agent shot and wounded Julio Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan immigrant, during an enforcement operation in north Minneapolis following a traffic stop pursuit. The Department of Homeland Security initially claimed Sosa-Celis attacked an agent with a shovel and broomstick for three minutes, but video footage contradicted this account, showing only a 12-second confrontation with no sustained attack. Prosecutors had access to the video within hours but did not review it until nearly three weeks after charging Sosa-Celis and his housemate; both charges were subsequently dropped. Two federal ICE agents were placed on administrative leave after DHS determined their testimony was untrue, and they faced possible termination or criminal charges for apparent perjury.

Timeline

Feb 3, 2026Video released by City of Minneapolis contradicting DHS account; charges against Sosa-Celis and housemate dropped approximately three weeks after initial charging
Feb 3, 2026Two federal ICE agents placed on administrative leave after DHS determined their testimony was untrue; agents faced possible termination or criminal charges
Jan 14, 2026ICE agent shot and wounded Julio Sosa-Celis during enforcement operation in north Minneapolis following traffic stop pursuit; Sosa-Celis and housemate were charged
Jan 14, 2026Video footage obtained showing 12-second confrontation; prosecutors had access to video within hours

Sources

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