Three Venezuelan Nationals Arrested After Violent Attack on ICE Officer in Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — A routine traffic stop escalated into a violent confrontation Wednesday evening when three Venezuelan nationals allegedly ambushed a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer with a shovel and broom handle, leaving the agent critically injured and sparking a chaotic scene that ended in gunfire and arrests.
The incident began when ICE agents initiated a targeted traffic stop involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, Alfredo Alejandro Ajorna, and Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez-Ledezma, all identified by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as illegal immigrants who had entered the United States under the Biden administration’s policies. According to officials, the suspects attempted to evade arrest, leading to a foot chase.
During the pursuit, the ICE officer was reportedly ambushed and attacked with a shovel and broom handle, sustaining life-threatening injuries. Federal authorities described the attack as an “attempted murder” of a federal law enforcement officer. The officer remains in critical condition, fighting for his life at a local hospital.
Following the violent altercation, agents discharged their firearms, resulting in one of the attackers being shot. All three suspects were taken into custody and are now held by ICE. The agency is conducting a thorough investigation into the violent encounter, which has drawn sharp condemnation from federal officials.
Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota, speaking on the incident, emphasized the dangers faced by immigration officers and the need for stronger border enforcement policies. The violent attack has intensified ongoing debates about immigration enforcement and the risks law enforcement officers face daily.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has reiterated its commitment to protecting its personnel and pursuing justice in this case. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice is expected to review potential federal charges related to the assault.
This incident comes amid heightened tensions in Minneapolis, where recent clashes between federal agents and protesters have drawn national attention. Law enforcement officials have reported increased hostility and violence directed at officers, complicating efforts to maintain public safety.
Data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows that apprehensions of Venezuelan nationals have risen in recent years, reflecting broader migration trends from the region. The DHS continues to monitor these developments closely as it balances enforcement with humanitarian considerations.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging the public to remain calm and allow law enforcement to carry out their duties without interference. The attack serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by federal officers enforcing immigration laws across the country.
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