Two immigration agents may have made untruthful statements in sworn testimony about the shooting of a migrant in Minneapolis last month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has revealed.
ICE acting director Todd Lyons stated that the officers, whose names have not been disclosed, were immediately placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
Lying under oath is a serious federal offense, Lyons expressed, noting that a judge recently dropped charges against two men accused of attacking the officers.
Initially, the Department of Homeland Security claimed a federal officer shot a man in the leg during an altercation following an attack with a shovel and broom handle by three migrants on January 14.
However, Lyons stated in a press release that the two officers appear to have provided inaccurate testimony, and the US attorney's office is actively investigating the matter.
According to Lyons, Video evidence has revealed that sworn testimony provided by two separate officers appears to have made untruthful statements. He added that upon the investigation's conclusion, the officers may face termination and potential criminal prosecution.
The incident was described as involving a car chase with a Venezuelan national illegally in the country. After the pursuit, the individual allegedly fought with the federal agent, prompting an altercation when two others intervened with assaults using a snow shovel and broom handle.
DHS had claimed the officer, fearing for his safety amid the ambush, fired defensive shots. Following the incident, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem remarked on the injuries sustained by the agent, praising his survival. Afterward, US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche expressed that the incident reflects poorly on local leadership, indicating a connection between violence against law enforcement and governance failures.
