ICE agent shoots Venezuelan immigrant, video contradicts DHS account of attack
Feb 3, 2026·Location: Minneapolis, MN
Country of origin: Venezuela

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
Sources
- New surveillance footage released in north Minneapolis ICE shooting agents lied about under oath
- Minnesota investigators continue probe into north Minneapolis ICE shooting
mprnews.org·Mar 2, 2026·archived copy
- BCA statement regarding investigation of ICE fatal shooting in Minneapolis | Minnesota Department of Public Safety
- Moriarty, Ellison launch state review to preserve evidence in fatal ICE shooting
www2.startribune.com·Jan 9, 2026·archived copy
- ICE shooting: Minneapolis, state leaders urge BCA role in investigation
- Minneapolis ICE shooting: BCA won't have access to case material, FBI will lead investigation
- Newly released video shows non-fatal shooting by federal agent in Minneapolis
KSTP·Apr 6, 2026·archived copy
- Minneapolis ICE shooting: City releases video that undermines feds' version of events
- WCNC
- Minneapolis releases video that undermines ICE claims about non-fatal shooting
mprnews.org·Apr 6, 2026·archived copy
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