Federal Charges Dropped Against Venezuelan Men After Evidence Dispute

Sat Feb 14 2026 00:29:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Federal prosecutors in Minneapolis have decided to dismiss felony assault charges against two Venezuelan men, marking a critical development in a case involving an officer-involved shooting. Newly surfaced evidence challenges the government's narrative.

Federal prosecutors have requested to drop felony assault charges against two Venezuelan men, Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, following new evidence that contradicts the government's claims. This decision follows a January incident where Aljorna was shot by an immigration officer. Eyewitness testimonials and video evidence raised doubts about the officer's narrative of the events leading to the shooting. Both men, without prior violent criminal records, were attempting to avoid encounters with federal agents at the time.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal prosecutors in Minneapolis have moved to drop felony assault charges against two Venezuelan men, including one shot in the leg by an immigration officer, after new evidence emerged undermining the government’s version of events.

On Thursday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota indicated that newly discovered evidence in the case against Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis is materially inconsistent with the allegations against them. The motion seeks a dismissal with prejudice, preventing any future charges.

The move follows multiple high-profile incidents where federal immigration agents’ use of deadly force has been increasingly scrutinized based on eyewitness accounts and video evidence. Numerous felony cases against protestors have similarly fallen apart.

The charges pertain to a January 14 incident where ICE officers attempted to pull over Aljorna's vehicle, which resulted in a crash and a subsequent foot chase. According to the government's narrative, Aljorna resisted arrest violently, leading to the officer shooting Sosa-Celis, who allegedly attacked with a snow shovel and a broom handle.

However, during a court hearing last month, discrepancies arose between the officer's account and the testimonies of bystanders, including video recordings that did not support the officer's claims of being assaulted. Aljorna and Sosa-Celis denied the allegations, and evidence from their partners and other witnesses contradicted the officer's testimony.

Following the incident, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem criticized Minnesota officials, claiming they fostered an environment of violence against law enforcement.

The newly filed motion did not detail the specific new evidence but highlighted substantial inconsistencies that emerged during the January court proceedings. The men’s lawyers claimed the prosecution relied heavily on the officer's account, which was increasingly brought into question.

Aljorna and Sosa-Celis previously worked as DoorDash delivery drivers and had no prior violent criminal histories. After retreating into a nearby home where they barricaded doors against federal agents, they eventually surrendered due to concerns for two young children inside the house.