Full Breakdown
DOJ Drops Charges Against Venezuelan Men Following ICE Shooting Incident
2/13/2026, 8:05:26 PM
Overview of the Incident
On January 14, 2026, a shooting incident involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis escalated into a significant legal and political controversy. Julio Sosa-Celis, a 24-year-old Venezuelan national, was shot in the leg by an ICE officer during a confrontation that followed a traffic stop. Sosa-Celis and Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna, 26, were initially charged with assaulting federal officers. However, on February 11, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) moved to dismiss these charges, citing "newly discovered evidence" that contradicted the government's initial claims.
Inconsistencies in the Government's Account
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had claimed that Sosa-Celis and Aljorna attacked an ICE agent with a broom and a snow shovel during a chase that began with a traffic stop. However, the DOJ's motion revealed inconsistencies in this narrative. An FBI affidavit indicated that the ICE agents had pursued the wrong individual, as the actual driver of the vehicle was not Sosa-Celis but another man. The affidavit also stated that the alleged assault on the ICE officer was not supported by video evidence or witness testimony.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen filed the motion to dismiss the charges with prejudice, meaning they cannot be reintroduced. Rosen noted that the new evidence was "materially inconsistent" with the allegations made against Sosa-Celis and Aljorna. Aljorna's attorney, Frederick Goetz, expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating, "The prosecutor’s office did the right thing." He emphasized that the evidence showed the men were fleeing when the shooting occurred.
Community Reaction and Protests
The shooting incident sparked widespread protests in Minneapolis, particularly in the wake of other fatal shootings involving ICE agents. Community members rallied against the aggressive tactics employed by federal immigration enforcement, which they argue have created a hostile environment for both citizens and immigrants. The protests intensified following the deaths of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents shortly before the January shooting.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the Trump administration's immigration policies have highlighted the pattern of violence and misinformation surrounding ICE operations. The handling of the Sosa-Celis case has drawn scrutiny, with calls for accountability regarding the actions of the ICE agent involved in the shooting. Advocates argue that the administration's approach to immigration enforcement has led to unnecessary violence and civil rights violations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Despite the DOJ's motion to dismiss the charges, the exact nature of the new evidence remains unclear. While the FBI affidavit contradicts the initial DHS narrative, the specifics of the evidence that prompted the dismissal have not been publicly disclosed. This lack of transparency raises questions about the accountability of federal agents in similar incidents.
What's Next
As the DOJ has dismissed the charges against Sosa-Celis and Aljorna, it remains uncertain whether the Department of Homeland Security will pursue further actions, such as deportation efforts. The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the U.S. and the potential for future legal challenges related to the conduct of federal agents.
