Minnesota Probes Federal Immigration Officers After Shooting
Minnesota authorities have launched an investigation into federal immigration officers following a shooting in north Minneapolis. The Hennepin County Attorney is reviewing the case, which could result in charges and has ignited debate over law enforcement jurisdiction and community safety in the region.
The January 14 shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis, a 24-year-old Venezuelan man, in north Minneapolis is being investigated by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The incident unfolded as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were pursuing his friend. Sosa-Celis was shot through the leg after closing a door on an agent. Initial claims by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleged that officers were attacked with a shovel and a broomstick. However, surveillance footage reportedly shows a man dropping a shovel before officers arrive. Federal prosecutors have since dropped criminal charges against Sosa-Celis and two other men, citing "newly discovered evidence" that was "materially inconsistent" with the initial allegations. The focus of the investigation has now shifted to the federal agents, who are being examined for potentially lying under oath. Despite the ongoing state-level probe by the BCA and the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, federal authorities have reportedly been uncooperative and have not shared evidence. This shooting occurred during "Operation Metro Surge," a broader federal immigration enforcement campaign in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area that has led to over 3,000 arrests. The operation has drawn widespread criticism for its aggressive tactics and has fueled a contentious debate over law enforcement jurisdiction. The incident is one of several recent shootings by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, including the fatal shooting of Renée Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24, which have heightened tensions and sparked protests. These events have intensified the debate over "sanctuary" policies, as Minnesota officials have limited cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty has been vocal about the lack of federal cooperation and has created an online portal for the public to submit evidence of potential misconduct by federal agents. Local law enforcement leaders have also expressed concern that the actions of federal agents are eroding the trust they have worked to build within the community, particularly since the 2020 murder of George Floyd. The shooting and the ensuing federal operations have instilled fear in immigrant communities, leading to community-led efforts to provide support, such as delivering food and raising funds for affected families. Residents of North Minneapolis have described feeling "over-policed and under-protected," caught between community and police violence.
