MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal prosecutors in Minneapolis have decided to drop felony assault charges against two Venezuelan men, Alfredo Alejandro Aljorna and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, after new evidence emerged that contradicts the government's version of events.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced in a filing that 'newly discovered evidence' is materially inconsistent with previous allegations made in the criminal complaint and during hearings. This motion asks for a 'dismissal with prejudice,' meaning the charges cannot be refiled.
This development occurs amidst scrutiny of federal immigration operations following several high-profile incidents where claims made by agents were called into question due to conflicting eyewitness accounts and video evidence. Previously filed felony charges against protestors for assaulting federal officers have also seen significant challenges as similar evidence has surfaced.
The charges stemmed from an incident on January 14, where an FBI investigator asserted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Aljorna, who subsequently crashed and fled on foot. The government alleged that Aljorna violently resisted arrest.
According to the original complaint, while the officer struggled with Aljorna, Sosa-Celis and another individual allegedly attacked the officer using a snow shovel and a broom handle. During this confrontation, the officer fired his weapon, injuring Sosa-Celis in the leg. However, defense attorneys argue that the entirety of the prosecution's case relies solely on the account of the officer involved.
Both Aljorna and Sosa-Celis were working as DoorDash delivery drivers at night, attempting to avoid encounters with federal agents, and they do not have prior violent criminal records.
After the shooting, the two men and their families barricaded themselves inside an apartment to prevent federal agents from entering. Concerned for the safety of children present, they surrendered to the authorities after officers employed tear gas as a means to force them out.
The day after the incident, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized Minnesota leaders, claiming the events represented an 'attempted murder of federal law enforcement' by individuals who ambushed and attacked the officer. However, the disparity between the officer's statements and evidence collected at the scene has now led to the dismissal of charges against the Venezuelan men involved.
