A newly released surveillance video has upended the official account of a January immigration enforcement shooting in Minneapolis, casting doubt on statements made by the Department of Homeland Security and triggering a federal investigation into potential perjury by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
The nine-minute footage, published April 6, shows a confrontation lasting less than 12 seconds-contradicting sworn testimony from a federal agent who claimed he had been engaged in a prolonged, three-minute struggle before firing his weapon. The video also appears inconsistent with earlier assertions that the agent had been attacked with a snow shovel and broom handle.
The incident began on January 14, when ICE agents attempted to stop a vehicle as part of an enforcement operation. According to DHS, one of the men, identified as Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, fled and resisted arrest, prompting what officials described as a violent assault on a federal officer.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said at the time: "What we saw last night in Minneapolis was an attempted murder of federal law enforcement." She added, "Our officer was ambushed and attacked by three individuals who beat him with snow shovels and the handles of brooms. Fearing for his life, the officer fired a defensive shot."
The surveillance footage presents a materially different sequence. It shows Sosa-Celis holding a snow shovel briefly before discarding it prior to the agent's arrival. The object remains on the ground throughout the encounter. A separate object, consistent with a broom, appears to be thrown but does not show repeated use as a weapon.
The physical altercation itself, captured between approximately 2:56 and 3:07 on the recording, ends as both men retreat toward a residence. Evidence collected by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension-including a door with a bullet hole-supports the claim that the agent discharged his weapon through a closed door.
Legal representatives for the men have challenged the government's initial narrative. Immigration attorney Brian D. Clark said, "The charges against them were based on lies by an ICE agent who recklessly shot into their home through a closed door."
Federal prosecutors have since reversed course. On February 12, U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen moved to dismiss all charges, stating that "newly discovered evidence in this matter is materially inconsistent with the allegations in the Complaint Affidavit." The dismissal was granted with prejudice by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Magnuson, preventing the charges from being refiled.
The fallout has extended within federal law enforcement. ICE Director Todd Lyons acknowledged discrepancies in the agents' accounts, stating that "sworn testimony provided by two separate officers appears to have made untruthful statements," adding, "lying under oath is a serious federal offense." Both agents have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.
The case has also raised questions about prosecutorial oversight. According to reporting by The New York Times, authorities had access to the surveillance footage within hours of the incident, yet charges were filed before it was reviewed in full.
Local officials have been blunt in their assessment. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said the agents "hung themselves," reflecting growing concern over the reliability of federal accounts in high-stakes enforcement actions.
The two men, who had faced felony assault charges and weeks of detention, are now being considered for potential victim protections, as the investigation shifts focus toward the conduct of federal officers and the integrity of sworn testimony in the case.
