Newly released video undermines ICE account of Minneapolis migrant shooting

April 7, 2026

Minneapolis officials released surveillance footage from a January incident where ICE agents shot a Venezuelan migrant, Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, in the leg during an arrest attempt. The grainy video appears to contradict federal agents' original claims that they were attacked with a shovel and broom handle, showing instead that a shovel was tossed aside before contact occurred. Federal prosecutors dropped charges against two migrants in February after determining that ICE officers likely made false statements about the encounter.

Who is affected

Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis (Venezuelan migrant shot in the leg)
Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna (charged then had charges dropped)
Two unnamed ICE officers (placed on administrative leave)
Alex Pretti and Renee Good (U.S. citizens fatally shot in separate ICE incidents)
Minneapolis residents and protest participants
The broader Minneapolis community targeted by Operation Metro Surge

What action is being taken

Two ICE officers are currently on administrative leave pending an internal investigation
A criminal investigation into the incident is ongoing
Minneapolis has released the surveillance video publicly

Why it matters

This incident represents a significant breach of public trust where federal law enforcement officers allegedly provided false accounts of events that led to criminal charges against migrants. The video evidence contradicting official statements raises serious concerns about accountability and truthfulness in immigration enforcement operations. The case has become emblematic of broader issues with the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, which has resulted in both migrant injuries and fatal shootings of U.S. citizens, sparking community outrage and protests about enforcement tactics and oversight.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC