DOJ Drops Charges in Minneapolis ICE Shooting Case After New Evidence

Post by : Saif Nasser

The U.S. Department of Justice has decided to drop charges against two men accused of attacking Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Minneapolis last January. This follows a shooting incident involving a Venezuelan immigrant that gained national attention.

According to court documents, Minnesota’s top federal prosecutor, Daniel Rosen, asked a judge to dismiss the case. He stated that “newly discovered evidence in this matter is materially inconsistent with the allegations.” The dismissal is with prejudice, meaning the charges cannot be filed again.

The incident began during a traffic stop targeting Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan immigrant. ICE officers said Sosa-Celis sped away, crashed his car, and ran on foot. At the time, authorities reported that Sosa-Celis and two men struck an ICE officer with a snow shovel and broom handle, prompting the officer to shoot.

However, later court documents and an FBI affidavit revealed a different story. The ICE officers had followed a car linked to the wrong license plate. Another Venezuelan immigrant, not Sosa-Celis, was driving and crashed the vehicle. Sosa-Celis was nearby in an apartment building. The affidavit stated that the officer was struck by the driver and Sosa-Celis with a broom while a third man used a shovel. When the officer drew his weapon, the alleged attackers dropped the items and were fleeing as the officer fired.

This clarification raises questions about the initial reports by the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE. While the DHS initially stated the officer fired in self-defense, the new evidence shows the situation may not have been as threatening as first reported.

The Trump administration’s increased use of armed federal immigration agents has sparked protests nationwide. Critics argue that such actions put both citizens and immigrants at risk and may violate due process rights. Following these events, Trump’s immigration chief, Tom Homan, said the deportation surge in Minnesota would end.

Legal experts note that the DOJ’s move demonstrates the importance of carefully reviewing evidence before pressing charges. For Sosa-Celis and the other men, the dismissal marks a significant relief. For the public, the case highlights the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations.

The Minneapolis ICE shooting case also shows how quickly misinformation can spread and how critical it is to have accurate reporting. The legal system’s ability to adjust in light of new facts is essential for justice.

As the situation develops, both immigrants’ rights groups and law enforcement agencies will likely continue to debate the use of armed officers in sensitive immigration cases. Meanwhile, this dismissal brings clarity to a case that raised concerns across the nation.