Two ICE Officers Under Criminal Investigation Over Minneapolis Shooting Testimony
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Two officers from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency are facing a criminal investigation after federal prosecutors dismissed felony assault charges against Venezuelan nationals connected to a shooting incident in Minneapolis earlier this year. The probe centers on allegations that the officers made untruthful statements under oath regarding the events of the January 14 confrontation.
ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons disclosed on February 14 that a joint review conducted by ICE and the Department of Justice (DOJ) uncovered video evidence contradicting the sworn testimony provided by the two officers. According to Lyons, the newly reviewed footage raises serious questions about the accuracy and honesty of the officers’ accounts during legal proceedings.
“The evidence suggests that the officers may have made untruthful statements under oath,” Lyons said, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Both officers have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation and face potential termination and criminal prosecution, according to statements from Lyons and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
The January incident involved a shooting in Minneapolis where a Venezuelan national was wounded during an encounter with ICE agents. Initial felony assault charges against the Venezuelan individuals were dismissed after prosecutors reviewed the new evidence. The case has drawn significant attention amid ongoing debates over ICE’s enforcement tactics and accountability.
McLaughlin highlighted that the joint review found the officers’ sworn testimony to be inconsistent with the video evidence, stating, “A joint review by ICE and the DOJ of video evidence has revealed that sworn testimony provided by two separate officers appears to have made untruthful statements.”
The probe comes amid broader scrutiny of ICE operations in Minneapolis and other jurisdictions. Local police chiefs have previously accused some ICE agents of racial profiling, including targeting off-duty officers and U.S. citizens, further complicating the agency’s relationship with community stakeholders.
ICE’s leadership has vowed to cooperate fully with the investigation and to hold any personnel accountable for misconduct. The agency’s response reflects heightened sensitivity to transparency and integrity concerns following several high-profile incidents involving immigration enforcement personnel.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and DOJ prosecutors are expected to continue their inquiries as they assess whether criminal charges against the officers are warranted. Meanwhile, ICE has reiterated its commitment to lawful and ethical enforcement practices.
For more information on ICE’s policies and enforcement activities, visit the ICE official website. Updates on the investigation will be provided as they become available through the Department of Homeland Security news portal and the Department of Justice news site.
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